It is best to be prepared and aware of the most commonly seen challenges that senior Chihuahuas face at some point during this phase of life. Each dog is unique. These age-related changes can all develop in one year or more gradually over time. It is suggested to reassess things every few months to stay one step ahead and help keep your Chihuahua as happy, comfortable, and healthy as possible well into his or her teens.
#1 A Need for Biannual Wellness Checks
As opposed to the yearly wellness checks that adult dogs receive, seniors need to be seen twice per year. This holds true no matter how energetic or youthful a Chihuahua seems to be. Changes are occurring in the body and it is imperative that seniors are screened for issues that commonly affect older dogs.
Some of the
health issues
that the veterinarian will testing for include liver and kidney disease, heart issues, prostate disease (for males), testicular cancer (for un-neutered males), breast and uterus cancer (for un-spayed females), canine diabetes, arthritis, and cognitive issues.
The goal is to catch issues early, which allows for the best possible prognosis. Each veterinarian has their own preferences; but, most like to begin these twice-per-year screenings at age 8.
#2 Decreased Mobility and Exercise Tolerance
What to know: Senior dogs have a general 'slowing down'; each year a Chihuahua will take a bit longer to rise, run a bit slower, and tire out a bit faster.
This is due to a combination of several elements: The body’s ability to turn protein into muscle decreases which leads to loss of muscle mass and strength. The body produces less glucosamine and chondroitin which can lead to stiff joints and other issues including osteoarthritis. In addition, all major organs gradually lose function, including the heart, which can cause a senior to reach his exercise limit faster than his younger counterparts.
What to do: The goal is to keep your Chihuahua active while being sensitive to an older dog's limits.
1)
Keep taking your Chihuahua for daily walks. Though pace should be adjusted according to ability, going for at least two daily walks each day will help in a number of ways. Exercise helps a dog maintain muscle mass, helps relieve the stiffness associated with arthritis by lubricating joints and reducing inflammation, helps keep the immune system strong, and helps ward off a range of disease including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
2)
Make adjustments for full-day outings. If you're taking your Chihuahua out for the day, take frequent breaks for rest and rehydration. If there will be a lot of walking, consider a canine stroller or carry bag like the
Bro'Bear i'Pet Small Dog Carry Sling
which is designed for pets 12 pounds and under. If you'll be taking your senior to someone’s home for a full-day visit, bring along your dog's bed or cot and set up an area for your Chi to take naps.
3) Since seniors can have trouble climbing up and jumping down can put strain on ligaments and muscles, set up pet steps or ramps to help your senior access favorite resting spots like the sofa or your bed.
4) Seniors can have trouble with traction, slipping on both indoor floors and outdoor surfaces. To help with this, apply a paw wax once every two weeks. This will allow a senior to better navigate and has additional benefits such as keeping paw pad skin properly moisturized and helps repel allergens and irritants.
5)
Be proactive and reactive in regard to osteoarthritis; this is a condition that affects every single senior dog. Details are next.
Tax, a 10-year-old, long haired Chihuahua
Photo courtesy of John Cooker
#3 Osteoarthritis
What to know: Unfortunately, arthritis in seniors
is extremely common. In fact, by the age of 8 years old, 80% of canines will have some level of osteoarthritis.
There are some contributing factors. Dogs that have had luxating patella or other joint-related issues are more prone to develop arthritis in those areas (knees or hips). Weight plays a factor as well; the Chihuahua is not a breed that is prone to being overweight; however, some older adults and seniors may carry a few extra pounds. The more weight a joint must bear, the more stressed the joint becomes and the more susceptible it will be to damage.
Symptoms include less mobility, joint stiffness, weakness in one or more limb, and signs of discomfort.
What happens: Cartilage works as a cushion between bones, allowing the body to move fluidly and without pain. Two compounds that help keep that cartilage healthy, glucosamine and chondroitin, are produced less and less by the body as a dog ages. Decreasing levels lead to cartilage becoming thin and wearing down. When it does, bones start to rub together. This causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. With progression, bones can become structurally damaged.
What to do:
1)
Have your senior Chihuahua screened for this. There are several prescribed treatment options including NSAIDs, steroids like prednisone, injections like Adequan, and even acupuncture and/or body manipulation via massage.
2)
Help with mobility by setting up pet steps near furniture as previously covered under
Tip #2.
3)
Provide your senior an orthopedic (memory foam) canine bed. This will offer the proper support for bones and joints and warmth that helps loosen joints and relive stiffness. Details regarding beds are ahead under
Tip #6.
4)
Since low to moderate exercise helps keeps joints loose and reduces inflammation, keep your dog active by taking at least two walks per day, at a pace that is comfortable for your particular dog.