(continued)
Physical changes in the elderly dog
Since the old dog tends to be more lethargic and less likely to frolic around the yard as he used to do when younger, it stands to reason that the increased slothfulness and resting periods will lead to a loss of muscular tone. Actually, he might get a bit heavier around the neck and torso, while the muscle mass of his legs seem thinner, sometimes even emaciated. Very often the abdomen looks swollen and sagging (which could also be the result of a heart and blood circulation disorder, or a kidney malfunction.) When he walks, you may notice a swaying action and his muscles may begin to shake when he exerts himself.
Stiffness in the joints due to osteoarthritis is made worse by drafts and by sleeping on cold damp ground or on very
