Why does my senior Collie get dry and brittle?
However, some are not only lacking in palatability, but also too low in protein or fat. As a result, the older dog can either get too thin or the coat becomes dry and brittle. Some older dogs, for no obvious reason, develop touchy stomachs and cannot be fed the same food they have previously been fed.
What kind of dental problems does a Collie have?
Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. And unfortunately, your Collie is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.
How old are Collies when they are full grown?
Some Collies age gracefully, while others do not. Some are old at 8-10, while others remain youthful and full of pep well into their 12th or 13th year. Aging depends on the breed of dog, the genes, the kind of care and the amount of stress in the dog’s life.
Is it normal for a collie to have an ear infection?
This is completely normal and is not the same as cataracts (and yes, dogs can get cataracts!). Also be sure to clean the nose leather of any gunk or residual food. Typically Collies are not prone to ear infections but it doesn’t hurt to occasionally check the ears and clean them with ear wipes or cotton balls with alcohol.
Why does my Collie have a crusty nose?
Although not only collies suffer from discoid lupus erythematosus, it’s common enough in the breed to have received the nickname “collie nose.” It’s a pretty obvious problem — your collie’s muzzle and nose lose hair, while crusty, serum-leaking lesions occur. In some cases, your dog’s nose might lose pigmentation.
When do Collies start to lose their hair?
A hereditary condition in collies, dermatomyositis affects the muscle and skin of young dogs, with hair loss and skin lesions. While it can appear in puppies, it generally strikes collies aged 6 months and up, increasing in severity until the dog is 1 year old. Occasionally, the condition first appears in an older collie.
Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. And unfortunately, your Collie is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.
What causes skin problems in smooth and Rough Collies?
Other skin conditions in Rough and Smooth Collies stem from autoimmune diseases, where the immune system is defective and attacks its own skin. Autoimmune diseases that attack the skin include pemphigus and lupus. Also dermatomyositis, in which the skin (derma) and muscle (myo) become inflamed (itis).
However, some are not only lacking in palatability, but also too low in protein or fat. As a result, the older dog can either get too thin or the coat becomes dry and brittle. Some older dogs, for no obvious reason, develop touchy stomachs and cannot be fed the same food they have previously been fed.
Some Collies age gracefully, while others do not. Some are old at 8-10, while others remain youthful and full of pep well into their 12th or 13th year. Aging depends on the breed of dog, the genes, the kind of care and the amount of stress in the dog’s life.
What kind of health problems can a senior Collie have?
This is especially a good idea if your aging dog just doesn’t seem right. Blood work can be such an invaluable diagnostic tool and can give early warning of some health problems, such as diminished kidney and liver functions, and diabetes. Heart failure, anemia, lower thyroid levels and cancer can all be problems for the aging dog.
What happens if you breed a collie for a long time?
If you breed Collies long enough and have “intact” bitches, chances are good that you will eventually run into Pyometra. It’s a condition in which the uterus becomes pus filled with bacteria and toxins. It usually occurs following estrus and is more common in the older bitch.
Are there any medical conditions associated with swollen glands?
There are 16 conditions associated with enlarged or swollen glands and hair loss. The links below will provide you with more detailed information on these medical conditions from the WebMD Symptom Checker and help provide a better understanding of causes and treatment of these related conditions.
This is especially a good idea if your aging dog just doesn’t seem right. Blood work can be such an invaluable diagnostic tool and can give early warning of some health problems, such as diminished kidney and liver functions, and diabetes. Heart failure, anemia, lower thyroid levels and cancer can all be problems for the aging dog.
What happens if a male collie is not neutered?
Likewise, the older male that has not been neutered can develop testicle or prostate problems, so keep an eye on any changes in the older male’s testicles or urinating habits (especially blood in the urine). As the Collie ages and slows down, the diet may need to be altered, as well as reduced in quantity.
What should I do if my Collie has an ear infection?
Typically Collies are not prone to ear infections but it doesn’t hurt to occasionally check the ears and clean them with ear wipes or cotton balls with alcohol. I have noticed sometimes the older dog’s ears can get very oily or greasy. It helps to trim the hair inside the ear.
What kind of arthritis does a Collie have?
A common problem that seems to affect many of the larger breeds, including older Collies, is arthritis. It can occur in any joint, but is most common in legs, hips, back and neck. As dogs (and people) get older, the natural occurring cartilage that cushions bones/joints begins to deteriorate.
When to take your senior Collie to the vet?
The bitch may or may not have a discharge. If you have an older unspayed bitch that is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it is of utmost urgency that you get her to your Veterinarian immediately before it’s too late. Pyometra is such that the longer you wait; the more dangerous it is for the bitch.
