It starts when you spot a single grey hair in the mirror...Then suddenly you turn around and your belly's gotten bigger, your joints hurt, you can't quite get up as easily, and that new young perky Pug at the park referred to you as Old Yeller. And then she barked louder because she thought you couldn't hear her.
Aging happens to everyone. And unfortunately for your pup, there's no quick fix of plastic surgery, high-priced wrinkle cream, hair dye, Porsche purchases or dating someone 20 years younger.
Older dogs, just like older people, have special health needs. As your pets age, changes occur in the way their body functions, so it makes sense that you may need to give them a little more attention.
People generally feel they've hit that dreaded 'Golden Age' when they face their first senior discount and suddenly start receiving the AARP magazine - some time between 55-65. But when does your pooch become an official senior? In general, 'elderly' means over eight years old for a medium-sized dog, and over five years old for a larger dog.
The dietary needs of your dogs tend to change as they age. A senior dog will naturally be less active and so he may need less energy from his diet. Further, research has shown that the body composition tends to change in elderly dogs, also reducing his caloric needs. Senior dogs can also experience decreased immune system function and increased intestinal problems. What can I say - 'getting old can be a REAL bitch.'
I have come up with a few tips to keep your "old feller" healthy and happy for as long as possible...
1. Establish a relationship with the BEST Veterinarian you can find. For most older dogs, it is advisable to make an appointment with the vet every six months. Your vet should be someone whom you trust and with whom you feel very comfortable.
2. Become informed about the conditions common to older dogs and the therapies used for them. Be alert to symptoms, bring them to your vet's attention promptly, and be prepared to discuss treatment option
3. Feed your older dog the best food you can afford; consider feeding a home-prepared diet and two small meals daily rather than one large one.
4. Don't overfeed your dog. Obesity will create health problems and shorten their life.
5. Consider the use of dietary supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis.
6. Give your senior dog adequate exercise, but adjust it to their changing abilities.
7. Attend to your dog's dental health. Brush their teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally whenever your vet advises it.
8. Tell your vet you wish to have your dog vaccinated only once every THREE years, as currently advised by the major veterinary associations.
9. Be diligent in controlling fleas and ticks, and keep your dog and his environment scrupulously clean.
10. Make your senior dog as much a part of your life as possible, and do all you can to keep them interested, active, happy and comfortable.
Of course, MOST of these tips apply to all ages, pets...etc...
Peace and Pet Love!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment