Dog Health Care and the Ageing Dog

Dog health care routines, just like those of humans, should be altered as the dog becomes senior or geriatric. The old rule of thumb, that a dog ages seven years for each calendar year is easy to follow but not necessarily all that accurate. In fact, the breed of dog influences the age at which a dog is considered senior, with large breeds approaching old age at around seven years old and smaller breeds into their teenage years.
As with humans, there is potential for all manner of health problems to develop as the dog gets older, so it is important to know what is to be expected as a dog ages and what constitutes a potentially serious problem.
Owners should expect to see their dog visibly slow down as he or she gets older. Arthritis is very common in dogs, so pets which appear stiff or slower should visit the vet who may prescribe fish oil supplements. Reduced hearing is also very common in senior dogs. Unfortunately, there isn't very much the vet can do to prevent this, but owners who notice a reduction in their dog's hearing should still see a vet to rule out medical causes such as infections.
Remember that dog obesity is very prevalent in older dogs and it can lead to many serious diseases. Senior dogs require fewer calories as their metabolism changes and their activity is reduced, so consult the vet about dietary requirements to avoid weight gain.
Unfortunately, older dogs who have been house trained since they were puppies may start having accidents. This may be a simple sad fact of ageing, but it is vital to keep a record of accidents and to discuss them with the vet to rule out any serious medical conditions.
Finally, it is important to know that older dogs cannot regulate their body temperature quite as well as their younger counterparts. This means that care should be taken to keep your dog at a comfortable temperature, perhaps providing more bedding in the winter and more water in the summer.
It is very sad for dog owners to witness their beloved pets ageing, but it is important to be vigilant for signs of disease. A good dog health care routine will ensure that any warning signs are spotted early which may potentially save the dog's life.
Jess Moss is a writer from England. She enjoys writing about current affairs and animal care, including dog health care. Visit http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/dogs today for more free information.
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