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janet kosnik 

We've all had, do have or will have an older hound, at some point. There are a few signs to be aware of as our hound starts slowing down and getting gray. I feel lucky because I spent 4 years working for a veterinarian, learning things that most of us have to pay money to find out. I learned that some of our older hounds require special care as they age.

Some older dogs can have some kidney problems. Kidneys become less efficient at filtering as they get older. As kidneys age, it becomes harder for them to break down and utilize certain components in their diet. Protein has been identified in the past as being one of these agents with the thinking that we have been over-proteining our dogs throughout their lifetimes, which, in turn, contributes to kidney problems then failure later in life. Research continues to be done in this area and some thinking, to date, suggests that it’s the type of protein not the amount. But, even with ourselves, if we are not actively working/hunting in our daily lives then the percentage of protein in our diet doesn’t need to be as high as when we are very active. What do we need to look for in our older hound? At first, it’s hard to see but later on you’ll be able to notice more frequent urination, excessive drinking and dilute urine (very light yellow almost waterlike). You’ll notice the water bowl going down faster and a dog that stops to urinate more often and possibly, smaller amounts at a time. Have your veterinarian perform a urinalysis on your hound. Lots of valuable information can be found in this simple test. Some basic bloodwork me be suggested, also. But, if caught early enough, diet can control early minor kidney problems. And this is the way to do it…before it is so noticeable, that it could be too late to do anything. Most senior/lite foods are recommended after 6 yrs. of age but that just an estimate of the average dog.

As our hounds age, they sometimes begin to have some stiffness possibly from hunting accidents, previous broken bones or just plain old age. You’ll see a slower, sometimes limping and/or stiff dog after hunting or roading. Early on, aspirin will help. I use the coated kind. It’s easier on the stomach, especially if you’ll be dosing your hound with aspirin every day. One thing to remember is that aspirin will thin the blood so if you are still hunting this older hound, be aware that if he gets torn up in the woods, there may be excessive bleeding…even more than normal. You should consult with your veterinarian as to the proper dosage of aspirin for your dog’s weight before beginning. There’s a great product out, for dogs and humans, too, that works for arthritis. It’s Glucosamine and Chondroitin. You can buy this in almost any store with a pet department. It’s also available in most pet catalogs. I use this on my older hound, Domee, and it does work. I even use it for myself! My own, not Domee’s! Your dog’s condition may deteriorate and stronger medication may be needed. At this point, your vet is the only one who can prescribe something which will help with your hound’s discomfort. Most of our hounds are housed outdoors even in the winter but if you can keep that older hound on a heating pad especially made for dogs or inside the house or heated garage, for example, that would help his/her stiffness a lot. This is not always an option for a lot of us but it is something that will help your aging hound.

There are some other changes to look for as any dog ages. Normal eyes begin to look cloudy. It’s the old cells laying down on the lens that causes this. That’s nothing to be concerned about. It doesn’t impair vision. But cataracts can be a problem and that needs to be diagnosed by a veterinarian. That condition does impair vision. Hearing also fails as dogs age. Some is actual hearing loss; some is just plain old selective hearing. Spouses can relate to that syndrome! Lumps and bumps become more numerous and may even change shape and color. If any of these growths look suspicious, please don’t try to diagnose yourself. Take your hound to the vet for a professional opinion. Sometimes removal of a growth before it gets too big can extend the life of your favorite older hound.

A little bit of extra care goes a long way with your older hound. After all, he has been your faithful companion out in the woods and on those blue days for many years. It’s our responsibility to take care of the ones who’ve served us well.