| Aging dogs that are happy and comfortable are a | | | | buddy. Let him smell the flowers or the "fire hydrant." |
| beautiful sight. It means that someone has done an | | | | Short walks several times a day, rather than one long |
| excellent job of taking care of their dog and made | | | | one may be a good idea. |
| his life worthwhile; it says very good things about the | | | | Regular checkups are a must for older dogs. In |
| dog's owner. | | | | addition to annual vaccinations and health checkups, |
| Arthritis in dogs is common as they age, they suffer | | | | pay special attention to dental care. He is likely to |
| from the same inconveniences that old humans do: | | | | lose some teeth and may develop bad breath. Keep |
| Their joints get stiff, energy levels diminish, their | | | | his teeth clean and free of plaque build up and have |
| hearing lessens and eyesight becomes less acute. | | | | his teeth routinely checked. This will decrease the |
| Dog incontinence may also be a problem in old dogs. | | | | chance that he will develop serious problems, such as |
| Fortunately a dog's sense of smell seems to be most | | | | heart disease resulting from tooth decay or gum |
| resistant to aging changes. | | | | disease. |
| There are many products in today's world to make | | | | Incontinence is sometimes a problem for old dogs. |
| your aging dog more comfortable. | | | | The causes are many. Do not scold him for |
| Caring for Older Dogs | | | | something that is not his fault. Do see your |
| An Old dog appreciates a warm, comfortable bed. An | | | | veterinarian, it may be treatable. A temporary way |
| orthopedic bed is a good choice, they provide | | | | of dealing with urination caused by incontinence is the |
| maximum support and are specifically made to | | | | use of doggy diapers and training pads to eliminate |
| cushion joints and bones. For arthritic dogs this is ideal | | | | those messes in your home. Diapers for dogs are |
| and they are available in various styles. For added | | | | available is several sizes and styles designed for male |
| comfort consider a heated dog bed, bed warmer or | | | | and female dogs. Training pads may be placed under |
| a heated blanket for your aging best friend. The | | | | your dog to protect carpet, furniture and his bed. |
| combination of a supportive bed and heat will have a | | | | Finally, good grooming for your senior dog is useful. |
| very therapeutic affect on your dog. Place the bed in | | | | Brush daily to keep the coat healthy and to discover |
| an area free of drafts. | | | | any problems such as dry skin, sore spots, body |
| Choose food for an elderly dog carefully. Older dogs | | | | odor, fleas and ticks. Check your dog's ears for odor |
| tend to put on extra pounds because of reduced | | | | or discharge produced by infection. |
| activity and they burn calories less efficiently. They | | | | Genetics do play a part. Generally speaking; small |
| do best on fewer calories because they use less | | | | dogs (20 lbs) live longer and don't show signs of |
| energy. But do not reduce the amount of food for | | | | aging until around 12 years of age. While with medium |
| your aging dog; just choose lower-calorie foods. Ask | | | | sized dogs (20 - 50 lbs), the affects of aging will be |
| your veterinarian for recommendations on diet and a | | | | seen around 10 years. For larger breeds (90 lbs and |
| vitamin/mineral regimen based on your dog's health. It | | | | up) aging generally begins to show around 8 years of |
| may make a difference to his energy level. Be sure | | | | age. There are exceptions to this, of course. With |
| your senior dog has plenty of water at all times. | | | | advances in geriatric veterinary care, good nutrition |
| Older dogs can become dehydrated more easily then | | | | and excellent care for aging dogs, the process of |
| younger ones. | | | | aging may be slowed down. |
| Exercise is important but do not over tax your best | | | | |