You likely often hear “You’re only as old as you feel.” But your pet has no idea how old they feel—they only know that their world and body are changing, which can be incredibly unsettling. To help illustrate the changes your senior pet may be experiencing, and how you can support them through those changes, our Cedar Creek Pet Hospital team shares stories of a fictional senior dog. Read on to learn how Ace is being helped to enjoy his golden years.

Ace ages without grace: Mobility issues in senior dogs

Ace is an 8-year-old German shepherd who has enjoyed an intensely active lifestyle, hiking long distances with his owner, and competing in agility, flyball, and schutzhund events. Although Ace was in good physical condition, with not one excess ounce of fat on his body, his owner noticed that he was slowing down. When Ace competed, his times became longer and longer, his jumps lower, and his bites weaker. His normally ravenous appetite also declined, and he was a challenge to get to eat.

Ace’s owner became worried about his typically active companion and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Peterson, who immediately noticed Ace’s uneven gait and the loss of muscle mass on his hind legs. Dr. Peterson discussed the signs Ace’s owner had been noticing at home, performed a comprehensive physical exam, and recommended blood work and X-rays to determine the problem and help guide treatment. 

Ace’s treatment: Supporting senior dogs

Ace’s diagnostic testing revealed two important pieces of information—arthritis and a fractured tooth. German shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis, and this genetic predisposition for arthritis, plus a rough-and-tumble lifestyle, had damaged Ace’s joint cartilage, decreased his mobility, and caused pain in his hips, knees, and back. 

In regards to the broken tooth, Ace’s owner admitted that he gave his pooch antlers to gnaw on when he was unable to exercise, because Ace would go stir-crazy without plenty of activity.

Ace’s broken tooth could be extracted, but arthritis is not easily repaired. Arthritis is a degenerative condition, and the aim of treatment is to keep Ace comfortable and mobile as long as possible, since arthritis is a degenerative condition. Ace’s blood work results revealed excellent kidney and liver function, so he was prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a joint supplement, and lifestyle modifications. 

At home, Ace’s owner made changes so his dog could get around more easily. He installed a ramp for easy outdoor access, laid down carpet runners to provide traction on the slick floor, and purchased an orthopedic bed that firmly supported aching joints. He also raised the food and water bowls, so Ace wouldn’t have to bend down and further tax his stiff limbs.

Although Ace was a highly active dog, he could no longer comfortably participate at his previous level, and his owner was instructed to swap out high-intensity exercises for low-impact options, such as swimming, modified agility and trick courses, and scent work. While Ace could not perform like he used to, continued exercise was incredibly important for maintaining muscle mass and preserving his remaining joint health. Without adequate exercise, Ace would likely gain weight and put more stress on his already sore joints, so daily activity is essential for this senior pet.

Scent work especially is a low-impact activity and also exercises Ace’s mind, which is key to warding off cognitive dysfunction. Similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people, cognitive dysfunction is more likely to develop the older your pet becomes. Mental and environmental enrichment are important for keeping senior pets’ minds, plus mental exercise is as exhausting as physical activity.

To monitor Ace’s response to medication and lifestyle modifications, our team conducted frequent exams and screening tests. Ace visited our team every six months rather than annually, to ensure he remained happy and healthy and that no changes were needed in his treatment protocol. Over time, however, we made adjustments and added supplemental  therapies such as new medications and laser therapy to keep Ace comfortable as his arthritis progressed. With plenty of support, Ace aged with grace.

If your older pet is displaying unusual behavior, they may be developing age-related conditions, such as arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, or organ disease. Schedule a comprehensive workup with our Cedar Creek Pet Hospital team to help your senior pet age with grace.