Proper older dog care can extend your dogs healthy life. A well cared for dog can live for 14 years or more and, most importantly, still be healthy enough to enjoy those years. As your dog ages, it is only natural for him to slow down but you want to be sure you closely monitor him to determine if the slowness represents some sort of health problem. Early detection of problems can make it easier to treat and frequent vet check-ups can help with this as well.
Older dogs are more susceptible to disease than younger dogs and part of your older dog care routine should be to watch for things such as:
- Sudden weight loss
- Sudden increase or decrease in appetite
- Increase in thirst
- vomiting or diarrhea
- coughing
- Excessive tiring
- Vision changes
Any of these problems should signal a trip to the vet for diagnosis.
Your older dog care routine should include the basic care of your dog as well as some extra care that will help keep Fido in good health.
You should make a special effort to keep your dog’s weight down – there are many senior and light dog foods listed in our dog food section. An overweight dog, like an overweight human, is more susceptible to disease.
Make sure you exercise your dog regularly – don’t over do it and make sure you go at his pace.
Make sure you get regular vet checkups (every 6 months for senior dogs) and follow the vets recommendations for immunizations as well as vitamin and mineral supplements. In between checkups make sure you watch carefully for any of the symptoms mentioned above or any your vet might mention to you.
Make dental care part of your older dog care routine. Brush weekly and make sure your vet does a dental check. If your dog needs scaling, talk to your vet about the anesthesia and how it may affect your older dog.
Treat your dog for ticks and fleas regularly.