The processes of aging and gradual degenerative changes start far earlier in a dog than often observed, usually at about seven years of age.
If we recall that each year of a dog’s life roughly corresponds to about seven years in the life of a man, by the age of seven he is well into middle age.
Your yorkie dog will become less active, will have a poorer appetite with increased thirst, there will be frequent periods of constipation and less than normal passage of urine. His skin and coat might become dull and dry and his hair will become thin and fall out.
There is also a tendency towards obesity in old age, which should be avoided by maintaining a regular exercise program. Remember that the yorkie dog will be less able to cope with extreme heat, cold, fatigue, and change in routine.
There is the possibility of loss of impairment of hearing or eyesight. He may become bad-tempered more often than in the past.
Other ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, kidney infections, heart disease, male prostatism, and hip dysplasia may occur. Of course, all these require a veterinarian’s examination and recommendation of suitable treatment.
Care of the teeth is also important in the aging yorkie. Indeed, the mouth can be a barometer of nutritional health. Degenerating gums, heavy tartar on the teeth, loose teeth, and sore lips are common.
The worst of all diseases in old age, however, is neglect. Good care in early life will have its effect on your yorkie dog’s later years; the nutrition and general health care of his first few years can determine his lifespan and the quality of his life.
It is worth bearing in mind that the older yorkie compared to the younger one needs more protein of good biological value, more vitamins A, B-complex, D and E, more calcium and iron, and less fat.
Feed elderly yorkie dogs twice a day as their digestion gets less efficient. Perhaps amounts at mealtimes need adjusting as elderly yorkies usually become less active and require fewer calories.
Some dogs, particularly the very old – need more calories than before. Judge the food by keeping an eye on the yorkie’s body shape and reducing or increasing the food accordingly.
Be careful though, some conditions such as heart problems can result in fluid gathering in the abdomen which makes the old yorkie appear pot-bellied.