A Guide To A Healthy Older Dog

Unfortunately, we often forget how important it is to give special care to our older dogs. We assume that if they are eating and taking long naps on the sofa—then it's a good thing. Not quite that simple! Your older dog requires a nutritious diet, daily exercise, affection and regular visits to the Vet to ensure his good health.

Here are some tips on how to give that extra special attention to your older dog:

Preventative Care
Like a puppy or adolescent dog, your older dog should visit the vet annually for routine shots and preventative care. These shots will protect your older dog from Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Kennel Cough and Rabies.

Heartworm prevention must not be taken lightly. Transmitted by mosquitoes, these worms resemble spaghetti and take shelter in the heart and adjoining blood vessels. Heartworm kills many dogs annually and if it doesn't kill them, it makes them extremely sick; many times requiring surgery to remove the worms internally.

No matter what the dog's age, don't skimp on your dog's preventative heartworm medicine. However, Ivermectin is the main ingredient in most heartworm meds. Collies, Collie Mixes and the other Herding Breeds are sensitive to this ingredient; so inquire before placing these breeds on Heartworm medicines.

Since mosquitoes transmit Heartworm, talk to your dog's Vet if you live in the Northern part of the U.S. regarding the seasonal transmission period. However, if you happen to live in any of the Southern or warmer states, preventative measures should be taken monthly.

Signs Of Aging
The most noticeable sign of aging will most likely be your dog's activity level will decrease. Sleeping longer and a general disinterest in play are also signs. Your dog should be protected from changes in temperature. The older dog should never be exposed to hot sun or a too-cold environment.

Sight loss and hearing can be affected as well as the skin and coat. With age comes a loss of the oil-producing sebaceous glands. This decrease can cause allergies, how fast their wounds may heal and, their immune system. Because the immune system will not be as effective in fighting off bacteria or viruses, your older dog could also suffer from bladder problems.

Finally, as your dog ages, his liver, kidney's and heart may lose their effectiveness. Your vet can help you see the signs of aging. If your older dog suffers from heart or kidney problems, ask your vet about acupuncture. There are acupuncture specialists who have proven that the Chinese therapy can be extremely helpful in this area.

We recommend visiting your vet twice a year for an older dog, or sooner if you notice any symptom that is abnormal.

Nutrition
No matter what the age, your dog's diet should always be your number one concern. However, as he ages, diet becomes even more important. When nutritional needs are met, dogs thrive both physically and mentally.

An all-natural wholesome diet free of preservatives and other chemicals is highly recommended. Avoid cheap, generic or supermarket brands of dog food. Cheaper brands of food are high in grain, which typically is the main source of protein. Meat should always be the main source of protein for dogs, not grain.

Dogs that are fed a cheap diet receive very little nutritional benefit and chances are they are hungry all the time. Meat or fishmeal should be the source of protein and the main ingredient in any canine diet, unless directed otherwise by a Veterinarian. Your older dog needs protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and, minerals. Supplementing your dog's diet may also be a good idea. Omega 3's (antioxidants) such as vitamin A and D are good for skin and coat. Ask your vet about supplements for your older dog.

Don't forget to check the height of your pet's food dish. It helps an older dog to have a raised dish, causing less strain on the neck and back. You can find these online or at any good pet supply store.

It is also a good idea to conduct a dog food comparison for yourself! There are many sites out there that claim that they have the best dog food for a healthy older dog diet. Check Out Our Dog Food Comparison And The Better Brands

Exercise
If you have an older dog that suffers from arthritis, exercise is still very important. Although in smaller doses, he still needs daily exercise to keep the blood flowing and to loosen up those stiff joints. A good rule of thumb is to exercise your best friend before meals. Then wait a good 45 minutes for feeding time after the activity.

An excellent form of exercise for any dog and especially arthritic dogs is swimming. If you're just beginning an exercise plan, begin with short walks and then gradually raise the time limit. These exercise tips are easier on the aging dog and will help to keep your pet healthy!

Tender Loving Care
All dogs just want to be loved. They long for hugs and affection and want nothing more than to just hang out with their beloved master and friend. Maybe he no longer has the skip in his step that he did when he was a puppy, but that doesn't mean he lost his interest to please you.

Gentle grooming, low-stress game activity and cuddling are just a few ways to provide tender loving care for your older dog. Be sure to provide your old friend with a nice cozy bed as well.


Janie resides in Pennsylvania along with her husband and two dogs. With over 25 years of working with dogs, she shares many articles on dog care and canine nutritional health.

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