Aging is a natural process in all animals. However, it does not necessarily mean a loss of quality of life for most dogs. The Bichon Frise is a breed that will stay active, energetic, and happy well into his or her senior years and are often very involved with the daily activities of the family until they are over 15 years of age.
Most aging Bichon Frise will have some temperament and behavior changes as they reach their senior years, just like humans and other animals change and slow down as the mature. Some of the differences you may notice in an aging dog include:
Each one of these changes can be entirely normal or it may also indicate a greater health problem. Always talk to your vet and communicate any changes in behavior that seem abnormal or have suddenly become apparent.
ARTHRITIS, PAIN AND STIFFNESS
If the Bichon Frise dog has a history of any type of joint or skeletal problem then arthritis is often going to become more problematic as the dog matures.
Arthritis can also strike dogs in their adult years so careful monitoring of any signs of stiffness or joint pain is essential.
The senior Bichon Frise with arthritis can be treated with a variety of treatments such as arthritis drug therapies, steroids, specialized diets, additional food supplements and some all natural products are also effective.
Talk to your vet or breeder for options on pain management for senior dogs with arthritis.
INCREASED WATER CONSUMPTION
Most senior dogs will start to drink more water to cope with kidneys that may not be functioning as well as they did when the dog was younger. Diabetes and chronic kidney failure can also be a concern in the senior Bichon Frise so talk to your vet and be prepared to monitor the actual urine production to see if the dog is urinating excessively or hardly at all.
Increased water consumption in senior dogs can also be a factor of the type of food that they are eating so be careful about switching feeds in senior dogs.
BLINDNESS AND HEARING LOSS
To people, blindness and hearing loss in dogs is very sad and heartbreaking, however for the dog, it is not associated with all the negativity that humans put on the condition. If you notice your senior Bichon Frise is starting to have trouble hearing, start pairing hand signals with commands to cope with the hearing loss. Blind dogs can live healthy and happy lives in environments that they are familiar with so avoid changing the layout of the house or yard.
With senior dogs with hearing or vision problems, great care must be taken to avoid these dogs getting out of the yard without being on a leash. They can be injured by other dogs or even run out into traffic without seeing or hearing the danger. There are many great resources available for families dealing with deaf or blind dogs that can both help owners cope as well as keep the dogs leading high quality lives.
CHANGES IN WEIGHT AND APPETITE
Senior dogs tend to exercise less and gain weight faster as their metabolism slows down. They may also become very minimal eaters, often decreasing their food intake considerably as they exercise and move about less. If the food intake amount decreases significantly or suddenly take the dog to the vet as soon as possible.
If he or she is just leaving a small amount in the dish but is eating over half of the food and having normal bowel movements and showing no signs of pain or discomfort, this is just the aging process. If, however, you notice any weight loss, signs of digestive problems, abdominal pain or discomfort after eating immediately consult with the vet.
Many vets and breeders recommend switching a senior dog, especially a Bichon Frise with dental problems or significant tooth loss to a specialty diet particularly designed for senior small dog breeds. These diets can be recommended by the vet or breeder and will be specially formulated to add nutrients to the diet.
MEMORY OR COGNITIVE LOSS
A Bichon Frise is a very intelligent breed that is not known for having cognitive loss as they get older, but you may notice they have trouble remembering or responding appropriately to commands you may not have used in a long time. Try to keep commands simple and basic rather than teaching new tricks if the dog seems to have trouble in remembering what you are asking.
Often, a senior dog is still very mentally capable of working on training routines, but be sure that the physical demands are appropriate for his or her age and condition.
EXERCISE
It is important to continue to provide daily, appropriate exercise for your senior Bichon Frise. They still love to go for a walk although a long jog may be too demanding and they will still love to play fetch or tag, but maybe only for five minutes instead of fifteen.
Finding the right balance of providing exercise without over taxing the senior Bichon Frise is sometimes a challenge. Carefully monitor the dog and call a break or take a rest before you notice he or she seems to be struggling to keep up or is falling behind.
Most dogs are so willing to stay with their owners on runs, walks or play times that they will keep on going long after they are exhausted. This will lead to increased stiffness and movement problems the next day or even for the next few days. Exercise is important for overall health and body functioning, so even if the dog is just given two short five or ten minutes walks at a moderate or slow pace a day this can be ever effective in stimulating the senior dog both mentally and physically.
FOOD, WATER AND BEDDING
Provide fresh water and food in easy to reach areas that do not require the senior dog go up or down stairs, especially if hips or elbows are a problem.
Always provide appropriate types of food such as pre-soaked small dog premium kibble or balance senior formula canned food if the dog is not longer able to eat the kibble.
Bedding can be extra thick or even designed especially for senior dogs. Some manufactures now make insulated bedding that holds the dog's heat providing a self-generating-type heating pad to help with muscle relaxation and prevent stiffness. Take care to keep the senior dog's bedding in a warm, draft free area of the house where the dog feels comfortable and safe.
JUMPING UP
A Bichon Frise that is used to sleeping on the bed or cuddling on the couch with your can seriously hurt his or her legs or back in trying to jump up or down off high areas. There are very safe, simple, lightweight portable stair steps for dogs that can be used to help your Bichon Frise safely step up and down off of furniture.
With a few rewards for using the two or three step stairs you will quickly have your Bichon Frise trained to use this device. In senior dogs where stairs are too difficult, there are also ramps that can be purchased that are ideal for smooth incline for going up or down off of furniture.
MANAGING INCONTINENCE
Incontinence is more prevalent in female Bichon Frise dogs but can occur in males as well. Typically, this will be most problematic with females that have had several litters of puppies or females that have been spayed and have had little estrogen production over the years. In both situations, there are estrogen supplements or medications that can be given to cause the muscles of the bladder to tighten, preventing leakage.
There are also diapers and pads that can be used to absorb any leakage or moisture. Since most incontinence will occur when the dog is sleeping or very relaxed, often pads are just placed on the bedding and changed in the morning. Depending on the severity of the problem, the vet may have other options that can help manage or control incontinence.
ATTENTION
A senior Bichon Frise will need to have just as much attention and love as a puppy or adult. As a breed the Bichon Frise becomes more attached to his or her family as he or she ages, but they still remain happy, friendly and willing to meet new people and animals throughout their lives.
If you have a senior Bichon Frise, be sure to monitor his or her interactions with other, younger dogs to avoid any possible injury or over-exertion by the senior dog. Also remember to play with your senior Bichon Frise and make him or her feel a part of the family.
Most aging Bichon Frise will have some temperament and behavior changes as they reach their senior years, just like humans and other animals change and slow down as the mature. Some of the differences you may notice in an aging dog include:
- Confusion and inability to respond appropriately to commands
- Hearing and vision loss
- Decrease in energy levels and ability to do all the things they used to do
- Stiffness and muscle pains
- Digestive problems and disorders
- Incontinence
- Decrease in appetite
- Increase in sleeping
- Increasing need for attention or need for greater isolation
- Possible temperament changes such as snapping or biting
Each one of these changes can be entirely normal or it may also indicate a greater health problem. Always talk to your vet and communicate any changes in behavior that seem abnormal or have suddenly become apparent.
ARTHRITIS, PAIN AND STIFFNESS
If the Bichon Frise dog has a history of any type of joint or skeletal problem then arthritis is often going to become more problematic as the dog matures.
Arthritis can also strike dogs in their adult years so careful monitoring of any signs of stiffness or joint pain is essential.
The senior Bichon Frise with arthritis can be treated with a variety of treatments such as arthritis drug therapies, steroids, specialized diets, additional food supplements and some all natural products are also effective.
Talk to your vet or breeder for options on pain management for senior dogs with arthritis.
INCREASED WATER CONSUMPTION
Most senior dogs will start to drink more water to cope with kidneys that may not be functioning as well as they did when the dog was younger. Diabetes and chronic kidney failure can also be a concern in the senior Bichon Frise so talk to your vet and be prepared to monitor the actual urine production to see if the dog is urinating excessively or hardly at all.
Increased water consumption in senior dogs can also be a factor of the type of food that they are eating so be careful about switching feeds in senior dogs.
BLINDNESS AND HEARING LOSS
To people, blindness and hearing loss in dogs is very sad and heartbreaking, however for the dog, it is not associated with all the negativity that humans put on the condition. If you notice your senior Bichon Frise is starting to have trouble hearing, start pairing hand signals with commands to cope with the hearing loss. Blind dogs can live healthy and happy lives in environments that they are familiar with so avoid changing the layout of the house or yard.
With senior dogs with hearing or vision problems, great care must be taken to avoid these dogs getting out of the yard without being on a leash. They can be injured by other dogs or even run out into traffic without seeing or hearing the danger. There are many great resources available for families dealing with deaf or blind dogs that can both help owners cope as well as keep the dogs leading high quality lives.
CHANGES IN WEIGHT AND APPETITE
Senior dogs tend to exercise less and gain weight faster as their metabolism slows down. They may also become very minimal eaters, often decreasing their food intake considerably as they exercise and move about less. If the food intake amount decreases significantly or suddenly take the dog to the vet as soon as possible.
If he or she is just leaving a small amount in the dish but is eating over half of the food and having normal bowel movements and showing no signs of pain or discomfort, this is just the aging process. If, however, you notice any weight loss, signs of digestive problems, abdominal pain or discomfort after eating immediately consult with the vet.
Many vets and breeders recommend switching a senior dog, especially a Bichon Frise with dental problems or significant tooth loss to a specialty diet particularly designed for senior small dog breeds. These diets can be recommended by the vet or breeder and will be specially formulated to add nutrients to the diet.
MEMORY OR COGNITIVE LOSS
A Bichon Frise is a very intelligent breed that is not known for having cognitive loss as they get older, but you may notice they have trouble remembering or responding appropriately to commands you may not have used in a long time. Try to keep commands simple and basic rather than teaching new tricks if the dog seems to have trouble in remembering what you are asking.
Often, a senior dog is still very mentally capable of working on training routines, but be sure that the physical demands are appropriate for his or her age and condition.
EXERCISE
It is important to continue to provide daily, appropriate exercise for your senior Bichon Frise. They still love to go for a walk although a long jog may be too demanding and they will still love to play fetch or tag, but maybe only for five minutes instead of fifteen.
Finding the right balance of providing exercise without over taxing the senior Bichon Frise is sometimes a challenge. Carefully monitor the dog and call a break or take a rest before you notice he or she seems to be struggling to keep up or is falling behind.
Most dogs are so willing to stay with their owners on runs, walks or play times that they will keep on going long after they are exhausted. This will lead to increased stiffness and movement problems the next day or even for the next few days. Exercise is important for overall health and body functioning, so even if the dog is just given two short five or ten minutes walks at a moderate or slow pace a day this can be ever effective in stimulating the senior dog both mentally and physically.
FOOD, WATER AND BEDDING
Provide fresh water and food in easy to reach areas that do not require the senior dog go up or down stairs, especially if hips or elbows are a problem.
Always provide appropriate types of food such as pre-soaked small dog premium kibble or balance senior formula canned food if the dog is not longer able to eat the kibble.
Bedding can be extra thick or even designed especially for senior dogs. Some manufactures now make insulated bedding that holds the dog's heat providing a self-generating-type heating pad to help with muscle relaxation and prevent stiffness. Take care to keep the senior dog's bedding in a warm, draft free area of the house where the dog feels comfortable and safe.
JUMPING UP
A Bichon Frise that is used to sleeping on the bed or cuddling on the couch with your can seriously hurt his or her legs or back in trying to jump up or down off high areas. There are very safe, simple, lightweight portable stair steps for dogs that can be used to help your Bichon Frise safely step up and down off of furniture.
With a few rewards for using the two or three step stairs you will quickly have your Bichon Frise trained to use this device. In senior dogs where stairs are too difficult, there are also ramps that can be purchased that are ideal for smooth incline for going up or down off of furniture.
MANAGING INCONTINENCE
Incontinence is more prevalent in female Bichon Frise dogs but can occur in males as well. Typically, this will be most problematic with females that have had several litters of puppies or females that have been spayed and have had little estrogen production over the years. In both situations, there are estrogen supplements or medications that can be given to cause the muscles of the bladder to tighten, preventing leakage.
There are also diapers and pads that can be used to absorb any leakage or moisture. Since most incontinence will occur when the dog is sleeping or very relaxed, often pads are just placed on the bedding and changed in the morning. Depending on the severity of the problem, the vet may have other options that can help manage or control incontinence.
ATTENTION
A senior Bichon Frise will need to have just as much attention and love as a puppy or adult. As a breed the Bichon Frise becomes more attached to his or her family as he or she ages, but they still remain happy, friendly and willing to meet new people and animals throughout their lives.
If you have a senior Bichon Frise, be sure to monitor his or her interactions with other, younger dogs to avoid any possible injury or over-exertion by the senior dog. Also remember to play with your senior Bichon Frise and make him or her feel a part of the family.
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