luey, an Australian cattle dog, ranks as the Methuselah of canines, living to a record 29 years, 5 months. During Bluey's heyday (1910s to 1930s), dogs living beyond age 10 were considered rare.
     Today, more dogs reach and surpass their 10th, 15th and even 20th birthdays in relatively good health. One dog - or more - may even break Bluey's longevity record. Are dogs lapping miracle water from the fountain of youth?
     Not exactly. Advances in medicine, dog foods and health products combined with care-conscious owners and safer environments enable more dogs to enter their golden years and thrive. Most experts agree that dogs are living longer, but no study has pinpointed the actual extension of life that has occurred.
     "The level of veterinary care has dramatically improved over the past five, 10 years," said Jay W. Gealsing, DVM, immediate past president of the American Animal Hospital Association and owner of the Sheridan Animal Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y. "There have been major improvements in cardiac drugs, dental treatments, foods and products for dogs. More owners regard their dogs as family members rather than backyard protectors. All of these factors contribute to more dogs growing old gracefully."
     Four out of every 10 dogs - about 21 million - in the United States are age 7 or older. The population of senior dogs is more than double that of puppies, according to surveys by the American Veterinary Medical Association, based in Schaumburg, III.
     As dogs live longer, owners face more geriatric issues than ever before: arthritic joints, senility, decaying teeth, and changes in appetite. Veterinarians recommend annual, even semi-annual visits to test blood and urine to identify and treat diseases in their early stages. By working with their veterinarians, owners can make their old dogs feel like puppies.

Does your dog seem slow to rise from a nap? Or tire quicker, even lag behind during long walks? Is it reluctant to jump up to greet you or climb stairs? Your dog may have arthritis or a hereditary degenerative condition known as hip dysplasia. Neither condition can be prevented or cured, but you can ease your aging dog's aching body. Stop feeding table scraps. Dogs within their healthy weight ranges are less likely to develop - or be impaired - by arthritis or hip dysplasia. Serve food and water at a dog's eye level. By elevating food and water bowls on low tables or crates, your dog won't have to bend down and strain its neck and shoulders to eat. This level also helps it digest better. Position your dog's bed in a warm, cozy spot far away from drafts. Greet your dog each morning with a gentle massage. Starting from the head to the tail, use your fingertips to make circular motions on stiff, sore joint areas to increase healthy blood flow to these areas. Toss a blanket in the dryer for 10 to 20 minutes and drape on your dog during chilly days. The dry heat eases joint aches and increases flexibility. Treat joint pain with moist heat once a day. Dampen a towel, wring it out and stick it in the microwave oven for 30 to 45 seconds. Place it on your dog's sore joint for five to 10 minutes. Stretch your dog's leg muscles slowly and gently before heading out for a walk. Provide soft, cushy walks for your dog by sticking to grass and dirt routes instead of hard and sometimes hot surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Roll balls on the ground rather than tossing them in the air during playtime to avoid injury and pain in your dog. Control playtime. A loyal dog will often ignore pain while playing to win your approval. Limit physical activities to 20 minutes or less.

Invest in dog ramps to help your dog step into a vehicle, onto your bed or sofa and onto a grooming table.

Supplement your dog's diet with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E, and minerals selenium), allies for tissue healing. Treat the occasional pain and swelling with buffered aspirin. Check with your veterinarian for the dose for your dog's weight. Avoid giving your dog ibuprofen, acetaminophen or other anti-inflammatory medications, which can be fatal. Seek veterinarian-prescribed medications such as etodolacs and carprofens, which provide long-term relief from swelling and pain. Check to see if your dog would benefit from acupuncture treatments.

DOG FANCY MAGAZINE, Dec. 1999