Assessment and Management of Declining Physical Function in Aging Dogs

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Veterinary Science
• Canine Health

Background:

• Aging is the primary cause of disability, disease, and death in adult dogs.
• Diminishing physical function in aging dogs impacts strength, balance, and energy, affecting daily activities and social roles.
• Biological aging processes and contextual factors contribute to functional decline in geriatric canines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the decline in physical function associated with aging in dogs.
• To evaluate the potential utility of human clinical assessment tools and interventions for geriatric canines.
• To explore strategies for mitigating age-associated functional decline in dogs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of aging processes in dogs and humans.
• Analysis of established human clinical assessments for physical function.
• Evaluation of interventions used in human geriatrics for potential adaptation to dogs.

Main Results:

• Aging dogs exhibit significant declines in physical function due to biological and environmental factors.
• Human clinical assessments for physical function show promise for evaluating geriatric canines.
• Interventions successful in humans may be adaptable to preserve and restore function in aging dogs.

Conclusions:

• Canine and human aging share fundamental biological and clinical similarities.
• Human geriatric assessment tools and interventions can likely be adapted to improve physical function in aging dogs.
• This approach holds potential for enhancing the healthspan and quality of life for geriatric canines.