Aging Gracefully:

Recognising the Signs of Aging in your Finnish Lapphund

As Finnish Lapphunds mature into their senior years, they undergo a variety of physical and cognitive changes. These changes can be subtle at first and with time, may become more apparent. Understanding the signs of aging and related health issues allows for early detection, which is crucial for maintaining their function and quality of life. Below, we’ll explore the key signs of aging in Finnish Lapphunds, focusing on the specific symptoms that indicate the progression of some common age-related illnesses.

Mobility & joint health

As Finnish Lapphunds age, they are prone to a number of musculoskeletal issues. The most common include osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). These conditions can lead to significant changes in mobility, function and activity.

​Signs of Arthritis and Joint Degeneration:

• Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion: Finnish Lapphunds with arthritis often exhibit difficulty getting up or lying down, as well as limping or a noticeable stiffness in their joints, especially after periods of rest.
• Limping and Lameness: This is often seen in the hind limbs but can affect the front limbs as well. A Finnish Lapphund with arthritis may favour one leg or walk with a slower, more deliberate gait.
• Reluctance to Jump or Climb Stairs: As joint pain increases, your dog may avoid activities like jumping onto furniture or climbing stairs.
• Lethargy or Hesitance in Movement: Dogs with joint pain may avoid engaging in activities that once excited them, such as running or playing.

Signs of Hip Dysplasia:

• Difficulty Standing or Lying Down: Hip dysplasia is relatively common in medium-sized breeds, including the Finnish Lapphund, and may present as difficulty standing up, especially after resting for extended periods.
• Swaying or “Bunny Hopping” Gait: Dogs with hip dysplasia may develop an abnormal walking gait, where they exhibit a "bunny hop" motion in the rear limbs.

Signs of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD):

• Neck or Back Pain: Dogs with IVDD often exhibit signs of pain, such as reluctance to move their head, an arched back, or sudden yelping when touched.
• Weakness or Loss of Coordination: IVDD can lead to weakness in the hind limbs and a loss of coordination, which can be particularly noticeable during walks or when climbing stairs.

cognitive dysfunction syndrome

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), often compared to dementia in humans, is a progressive decline in cognitive abilities that affects many senior dogs, including Finnish Lapphunds. This syndrome results from changes in the brain and nervous system, including reduced blood flow, inflammation, and altered neurotransmitter levels.

Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome:

• Disorientation and Confusion: One of the most notable signs is a general disorientation. A Finnish Lapphund with CDS may seem lost in familiar places, such as pacing in circles, staring at walls, or becoming confused in their own home.
• Sleep-Wake Cycle Disruptions: Senior dogs with CDS often experience disturbances in their sleep patterns. They may become restless at night, leading to increased night-time vocalisations or difficulty settling down.
• Decreased Interaction: Finnish Lapphunds with CDS may withdraw from social interactions or become less responsive to family members. They may also stop seeking out affection or attention, behaviours they may have previously enjoyed.
• Changes in Bathroom Habits: Accidents in the house, even if house-trained, may become more frequent due to confusion or difficulty getting to the door.
• Decreased Learning Ability: Your Lapphund may forget previously learned commands or struggle to learn new ones. They may also show decreased interest in training or familiar activities.

Sensory DeCLINE: vISION & hEARING lOSS

With age, Finnish Lapphunds are susceptible to changes in their sensory functions, particularly vision and hearing. Age-related vision problems often include cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), while hearing loss is a common, often gradual condition in older dogs.

Signs of Vision Loss:

• Cloudy or Discolored Eyes: Cataracts, which cause the lens to become cloudy, are common in senior dogs. You may notice a bluish or milky tint in the eyes, which can lead to partial or complete blindness.
• Bumping into Objects: A dog with poor vision will often bump into furniture, walls, or other objects when navigating the house. They may also avoid walking in unfamiliar areas or appear hesitant when going up or down stairs.
• Reluctance to Go Outside or Participate in Play: Your Lapphund may avoid going outdoors if it requires navigating unfamiliar terrain. They may also seem disoriented when participating in games like fetch or more reluctant to engage in games with other dogs.

Signs of Hearing Loss:

• Non-Responsiveness to Sounds: A Lapphund with hearing loss may not respond to their name or common commands like “sit” or “come.” You may also notice that they no longer react to sounds like the doorbell, the rustling of food bags, or other familiar noises.
• Increased Vocalisations: Some Finnish Lapphunds with hearing loss may compensate by becoming more vocal in other ways, such as barking more frequently or at inappropriate times.
• Lack of Response to Environmental Cues: Your Lappy may fail to respond to common environmental cues, like the sound of a door opening or footsteps approaching.

mETABOLIC dECLINE

Aging often brings about changes in metabolism, digestion, and appetite. Finnish Lapphunds may experience a reduced appetite due to dental issues, gastrointestinal problems, systemic illnesses or simply age-related changes in taste and smell. Additionally, some older Lappies become less active, which can result in weight gain or, conversely, weight loss - which can indicate a more serious underlying health issue.

Signs of Changes:

• Decreased Interest in Food: Your Lappy may become more selective about food or show less enthusiasm during mealtime. This can be related to oral health problems, reduced sense of smell or taste, or underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, an underactive thyroid or diabetes.
• Increased Drinking or Urination: If your Finnish Lapphund begins drinking excessively or urinating more frequently, this may indicate kidney disease, Cushing's disease or diabetes, which are common in senior dogs.
• Weight Loss or Weight Gain: Unexplained weight changes, such as sudden weight loss or weight gain, may be indicative of a metabolic or systemic issue. Weight loss can be due to malabsorption, thyroid dysfunction or a tumour, while weight gain is often the result of reduced activity levels, hypothyroidism or overfeeding issues.

Dental Disease

Dental disease is common in senior dogs and can often go unnoticed in the early stages. Declining dental health can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and systemic health issues.

Signs of Dental Problems:

• Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent foul-smelling breath is a key sign of dental disease, often due to gingivitis or periodontal disease.
• Difficulty Eating or Chewing: Your dog may avoid hard food, chew on one side of their mouth, or have difficulty picking up toys or treats.
• Drooling or Excessive Salivation: Lappies with oral pain may drool excessively or show signs of discomfort when their mouth is touched.
• Red or Bleeding Gums: Swollen, inflamed, or bleeding gums indicate gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated.

Cardiorespiratory decline

As your Lappy gets older, they may begin to develop other chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). This can be gradual in onset or occasionally more sudden and is usually a more serious condition. There are multiple causes and contributors to CVD and the best prevention is a healthy low fat diet, regular exercise, minimal stress and good genetics.

​Signs of CVD:

• Labored Breathing: Older Finnish Lapphunds may develop respiratory issues or heart disease, which could lead to coughing, shortness of breath, or labored breathing typically worse on exertion.
• Coughing or Wheezing: Persistent coughing can be a sign of heart disease (such as mitral valve disease) or respiratory issues like pneumonia.

• Heart Murmurs: Older Finnish Lapphunds may develop heart murmurs due to conditions like mitral valve disease. These murmurs may not always be immediately obvious but can contribute to symptoms like coughing, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
• Fatigue: If your dog becomes easily tired or exhibits signs of reduced stamina, heart disease may be a contributing factor.

Skin & Coat Changes

As Finnish Lapphunds age, their coat may become thinner, drier, or less lustrous, and they may experience more skin irritations. This can be due to hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or the natural aging process.

Signs of Skin & Coat Aging:

• Thinning Coat: Many senior Lappies experience a decrease in the density and quality of their coat. A once thick, glossy coat may become sparse, dull, or brittle.
• Dry, Flaky Skin: Aging skin may become dry and prone to flakes, itching, or irritation. It can also become more sensitive, leading to increased scratching or licking or being more prone to developing hotspots.
• Gray or White Hair: Just as in humans, the fur of aging dogs may turn gray, especially around the muzzle, face, and paws as a mark of their golden years.

Conclusion

Recognising the signs of aging in your Finnish Lapphund is essential for ensuring they live their senior years in comfort. Many of the conditions discussed here are manageable with the right veterinary care, lifestyle adjustments, and early intervention. Of course, this list is not extensive and so regular vet visits are recommended to monitor for and promote early detection of any age-related conditions. Along with your attentiveness to any changes in behaviour or health, this will help you provide the best care for your beloved companion as they age gracefully.