Like many people, and our pets, dogs are living longer than ever these days. Dogs that died young in the wild when they are no longer able to defend themselves or find food are now living in the age. During this time there are slow changes in both mental and physical health.
In this article, I will present some of the major physiological changes that occur, some of the ways that we as caregivers can help them, some of the diseases that affect older age groups, and some therapies that can be useful.
In this article, I will present some of the major physiological changes that occur, some of the ways that we as caregivers can help them, some of the diseases that affect older age groups, and some therapies that can be useful.
...lungs: lung tissue loses elasticity with age, reducing the effectiveness of breathing
.of the circulatory system: blood vessels lose their elasticity, making small frequent bleeding eg in the brain tissue.
of the brain: a consequence of lack of oxygen in the brain reduces the memory and learning. It can also affect personality and irritability.
Signs of aging: the age of 16 years, most dogs will lose some of their brain functions. May they show signs of disorientation, changes in social relations, changes in their daily rhythm, and incontinence. By the age of 16, 20% of dogs pass urine or feces in the home, 25% of dogs sleep less at night and by day, and 60% less interaction with their human companions (although they can pass through a phase of increased attachment). More than 70% were disoriented, getting stuck in corners, going on the wrong side of the door when asked to go out, barking for no reason, and looking into space. Neutered males get less aggressive with age, but neutered females tend to be more so.
and hormonal control of aging: Older dogs tend to secrete more stress hormones, even when relaxed. Training them to be more relaxed can help give them more control in later life. There is a general decrease in the neuroendocrine brain chemicals, especially dopamine.
and hormonal control of aging: Older dogs tend to secrete more stress hormones, even when relaxed. Training them to be more relaxed can help give them more control in later life. There is a general decrease in the neuroendocrine brain chemicals, especially dopamine.
...Feeding a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help. older dog will be around 20% fewer calories, and some dogs weight gain with maturity. As always, any change in diet should be gradual.
We as care givers need to accept that our dog is aging.
Over-exercising does more harm than good, so we should allow the dog to set the tempo. Older dogs can become confused by changing the usual routine. As the skin glands produce less oil with age, more frequent brushing will help to older dog. Think about brushing your teeth daily, and provide more frequent toilet breaks.
complementary therapy and aging: Acupuncture can be particularly helpful with the pain of arthritis, etc. Like acupressure and shiatsu, it also reduces the pain of muscle relaxation
.T Touch Therapy is a touch therapy that can be learned from the Care-giver, and can be very soothing effect on anxiety, as well as helping many of the problems associated with stress - that is, as we now know, can give any symptom.
Musculoskeletal problems may also help osteopathy and chiropractic, and massage as explained above. All these therapies are beneficial mainly to touch animals that enjoy the touch, and can increase stress in those who do not.
Nutritional therapy includes changing eating little for the welfare of the dog. The role of nutrition in helping aging has already been discussed. It should be noted, however, that when the dog refuses to eat, for example, during infections, it makes for a good reason (such as an attack on the starved body, and concentrate energy on the immune system than digestion) and should not be forced. The most common nutritional problem in dogs is overfeeding causes obesity, which is important for us to keep our animals and help educate carers where this is problematic. However, beware that any rigid, unbalanced diet given over a long period of time can lead to malnutrition.
Herbal remedies can help with specific diseases. Examples include comfrey to ease sprains, calendula for indigestion, and garlic for respiratory infections and digestive disorders, and Echinacea for stimulating the immune system.
aromatics and aromatherapy oils that are used with animals should be selected by the animals of choice based on symptoms - Animal Aromatics trained therapist can be pivotal in selecting the right balance. nature of homeopathy and other vibrational medicine which leads to more effective when directed at the whole spectrum of symptoms and personality, rather than a body part.
the beauty of Reiki spiritual healing and that the dog will do whatever is necessary to healing energy, without a specific diagnosis being made. It is absorbed into all parts of the body, mind and spirit to demand, boosting his immune system and other natural means of self-healing. It can help with physical, emotional and psychological conditions. As the dog approaches the end of his life, healing and can help the dog and caregivers to come to terms with this, which helps in the process of adoption and grief. Treatment may be supplemented with the use of crystals, such as amber and carnelian.
Summary: In this article I discuss the physiological causes of the signs of aging that we see the signs and symptoms experienced, and ways you can help, especially touching on complementary therapies
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