Senior Dog Care

We all get older and slower. Humans and canines alike eventually show signs of aging. These signs can be visible like greying hair or even just the fact that you realize your dog is sleeping more often.
While some breeds age more quickly than others, most dogs are considered "seniors" between seven and ten years. To help ensure your beloved pet goes through his golden years comfortably, there are simple things you can do.
Your dog has, after all, given you love and support, and now it is your turn to show how much you care.
Make Some Dietary Changes
Dietary recommendations change as your dog gets older. It's more than just watching their weight. You need to be more conscious of their eating frequency and the type of food given.
Older dogs should be fed a smaller amount of food on a more frequent schedule. Feed them the same amount of food daily as normal, just break up the feedings, spreading it out over four meals throughout the day.
Some older dogs are prone to intestinal upset, and feeding them smaller meals more frequently can help prevent this problem.
Older dogs are more affected by added weight, so it is important to watch their weight and to help them lose any excess pounds. Overweight older dogs are at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
Most veterinarians recommend pet owners start using a senior food low in fat and high in protein when the pet is seven years of age, but that can depend on the breed.
You should also ask your vet about any additional nutritional supplements appropriate for your dog's breed and age. German shepherds, for example, are prone to joint problems early on.
Regular Vet Visits
Senior dogs should see a vet for a thorough wellness check semi-annually. Your vet will check your senior dog's eyes, mouth, teeth, skin, fur, ears, and heart. There are also routine screening tests for early detection of a variety of common older age problems such as:

• Arthritis and other degenerative joint diseases
• Diabetes
• Prostate and breast cancers
• Liver and kidney problems

Unusual behaviors that require an immediate appointment include the following:

• Shortness of breath or continual coughing
• Urinary incontinence, diarrhea, or constipation
• Weakness or stiffness
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Uncommon aggression or strange unexplained behavior changes

Your vet can help you monitor your aging pet's needs so that you can keep your dog comfortable and in the best health possible. And don't forget about your loved one's teeth while at the vet. A professional cleaning can help your pet eat and chew more comfortably.
Making Your Senior Dog More Comfortable
Luckily, there are several easy things you can do to help your senior dog enjoy the later years.
Senior dogs are more vulnerable to the weather by nature, so it is important they don't spend too much time exposed to heat, cold and humidity. Older dogs just can't handle the temperatures they once did.
An orthopedic bed can help your senior dog rest more comfortably and sleep more deeply. Dog ramps will help your arthritic pet get up and down places that used to be easy.
Think about rearranging the furniture to make it easier for your dog's weakening eyesight. Keeping clutter off the floor removes obstacles, which also decreases anxiety.
Some larger breeds would benefit from using a raised feeder so that they can reach their food and water easily.
Even just providing an additional blanket will help make your pet more comfortable. Don't forget, your 12-year-old dog is 77 years old in human age.
Our dogs provide us with years of love and loyalty, the least we can do is help make them comfortable for as long as we can.
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