8 Top Pekingese Old Age Symptoms And Problems
Pekingese old age symptoms and problems can quickly become a problem for some Pekingese owners who have no clue what to do.
In this post, I will be explaining some Pekingese old age symptoms and some common Pekingese old age problems you should know.
Always stay close to your pup in their senior age and when you notice any sort of change beyond what you know you should contact your veterinarian.
Read more: How To Care For a Pekingese (9 Steps)
Pekingese Old Age Symptoms
Here are some common Pekingese old age symptoms:
1. Loss of energy and vitality
Pekingese are known for their energy and vitality, but some dogs may lose some of that energy and vitality as they age.
There are a few things you can do to help your Pekingese maintain their energy and vitality as they age.
One thing you can do is to make sure they are getting enough exercise.
A dog who is kept active will have plenty of energy and will not need to rely on energy drinks or other stimulants to stay alert.
A good way to ensure your Pekingese gets enough exercise is to take them for a walk every day.
Another thing you can do to help your Pekingese maintain their energy and vitality is to feed them high-quality dog food.
2. Inability to move about easily
Old Pekingese are often considered the most graceful dogs in the world, but this doesn’t mean they’re always easy to move about.
As Pekingese get older their legs become weaker than they used to be making it difficult for them to be active.
You notice your senior Pekingese’s inability to move about easily such that they choose to stay in one spot and sleep more.
3. Difficulty getting up from a seated or lying position
The old Pekingese is a small dog that can be difficult to get up from a seated or lying position, this is due to old age.
This is because they are physically small and may not be able to generate enough energy to get up on their own.
You may need to help them get up by lifting them up or using a ramp to help them get up.
Read more: Why Is My Pekingese Shaking?
4. Poor vision and hearing
Pekingese are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world, but they may have trouble seeing and hearing well as they enter their senior age.
These dogs are often born with poor vision and hearing, which can make them difficult to train, but you will see more poor vision and hearing difficulties as they get older.
They may also have problems communicating with humans as they enter their senior years.
If you’re planning to get a Pekingese, be sure to check its vision and hearing status beforehand.
5. Poor coordination
Pekingese are famous for their beautiful faces, but they may not be the best choice for a pet if their coordination is not up to par.
Pekingese may experience problems with their coordination as they age because of their floppy ears and truncated tail.
This can lead to accidents and difficulty following directions.
If you’re thinking of getting a Pekingese, be sure to consider their coordination difficulties at older age first.
6. Difficulty feeding
Pekingese dogs can be difficult to feed because as they enter their old age they may have trouble chewing.
Some people feed them canned dog food, but this is not the best option because canned dog food is high in sugar and fat.
A better option is to give them a diet that is made of meat, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits.
7. Difficulty breathing
Pekingese dogs are prone to difficulty breathing as they age. This is due to their small size and the fact that they have very narrow chests.
As a result, Pekingese dogs can experience breathing problems, which can be exacerbated if they are overweight or have other health issues.
If your Pekingese is having difficulty breathing, it is important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
8. Cognitive decline
As a pet parent, it is natural to worry about the cognitive decline of our Pekingese as they age.
As we all know, cognitive decline is a natural process that can affect any pet as they age.
The most common cause of cognitive decline in pets is age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that Pekingese experience any greater cognitive decline than other breeds of dogs as they age.
Most interesting post: 8 Easy Ways To Comfort a Dying Dog.
Pekingese old age problems
The following are some common old age-related Pekingese problems:
- Mobility issues: As dogs age, they may develop arthritis or other joint problems, which can make it difficult for them to move around comfortably.
- Dental problems: Older dogs are more likely to suffer from dental disease, which can be painful and cause other health problems if left untreated.
- Vision problems: Pekingese dogs may develop cataracts or other eye conditions as they age, which can lead to vision loss or blindness.
- Hearing loss: Like many breeds, Pekingese dogs may experience hearing loss as they get older.
- Skin problems: Older dogs may develop skin conditions such as dryness or itchiness, which can be uncomfortable.
- Obesity: Older dogs may be less active than their younger counterparts, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
- Cognitive dysfunction: Pekingese dogs may develop cognitive dysfunction, sometimes referred to as doggy dementia, as they age. This can cause confusion, disorientation, and other behavior changes.
- Breathing problems: Pekingese dogs are brachycephalic, meaning they have a short snout, which can make it difficult for them to breathe as they age.
- Heart problems: Congestive heart failure is common among senior dogs, and Pekingese dogs may be particularly susceptible due to their small size. It is important to monitor your aging Pekingese for any signs of heart problems and to seek veterinary care if necessary.
Read more: 15 Most Important Dog Care Tips.
Ways to Care for an Old Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature towards their owners. As they age, it is essential to provide them with proper care and attention.
The following are some common ways to care for an older Pekingese dog:
- Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: Regular check-ups with a licensed veterinarian will ensure that your Pekingese is healthy and receiving proper medical attention. This will also help to catch any health issues early on before they become critical.
- Balanced Diet: As dogs age, their dietary needs change. Make sure to feed them a well-balanced diet with the proper portions and avoid overfeeding to avoid excessive weight gain.
- Adequate Hydration: Make sure your Pekingese has access to a clean water source and encourage them to drink water regularly throughout the day.
- Regular Exercise: Keep your Pekingese active with daily exercise, but avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather.
- Comfortable Living Environment: Create a comfortable and safe living environment for your Pekingese, with a warm and soft bed, preferably in a quiet room with limited stairs, to minimize joint pain and arthritis.
- Grooming: Regular grooming, including brushing, bathing, and trimming the fur, will keep your Pekingese looking and feeling healthy. This will also help to identify any skin issues or irritated areas that require attention.
- Attention to Dental Care: Pekingese dogs are known to have dental issues with age, so proper dental hygiene, including regular teeth brushing, is crucial to their overall health.
- Medication Management: If your Pekingese requires medication, make sure to administer it as prescribed and keep track of the dosage and times.
- Provide Love and Affection: Pekingese dogs are companion animals and require love, attention, and affection. Spend quality time with your furry friend, nurturing and building a bond to keep them happy and healthy.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your aging Pekingese can enjoy a comfortable and healthy life.
Learn more about Pekingese life expectancy.
What do Pekingese dog die of
The leading cause of death for Pekingese, as with many other toy breeds, is trauma.
Heart failure is also a common cause of death among Pekingeses in their golden years, and most heart disease in dogs is caused by a weakening of a valve.
Additionally, young dogs under the age of 18 months and older dogs that are over 6 years old can suffer from hydrocephalus, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Short-snouted dogs like Pekingese can also be at a higher risk of respiratory problems, which can be life-threatening on airplanes.
Another of these health problems is cancer. Pekingese dogs can get cancer of the stomach, ovary, uterus, and skin.
Some other health problems that Pekingese dogs can get are hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and bloat.
Learn more about foods Pekingese should avoid.
Conclusion
Finally, Pekingese dogs are prone to a range of age-related health conditions, such as arthritis, heart troubles, eye issues, and dental issues.
These signs and issues should be kept on the lookout for as early identification and treatment can lessen their consequences.
Your Pekingese may maintain good health and activity well into their senior years with regular vet visits, nutritious food, and an exercise regimen.
Your Pekingese may still have a fulfilling life far into old age with the correct care.