We love our senior dogs! Their calm and loyal demeanor along with their wise soul makes them the perfect companion. At the same time, it is important to understand that our senior dogs (>7 years of age) have special requirements.
So, what can you do to help your senior dog? Here are some tips:
Schedule regular visits to the vet-
Your senior dog should be examined at least once yearly, or better yet, semi-annually. Remember dogs age a lot faster than humans, which means that a lot of things can change in a shorter period of time. Even if your senior companion appears healthy, illnesses often remain hidden. Not to mention, it is much easier to prevent disease than to treat it!
Brush your dog’s teeth!
Dog’s require oral care too! If you are unable to brush your dog’s teeth, consider using a water additive, dental diet or chews to keep the teeth clean. Alternatively, schedule an oral examination with your veterinarian to see if your dog requires a dental cleaning.
Feed your dog a high quality diet-
Veterinary Prescription Diets are formulated by veterinarians and contain high quality ingredients to ensure that your senior dog is getting all the nutrients he or she needs to ensure a well balance diet. Veterinary Prescription Diets are designed appropriately for your pet’s life stage and health care needs. You may also be happy to know that veterinary diets are actually similar in cost as pet store diets.
Consider adding a fatty acid, glucosamine or chondroitin supplement to your dog’s diet-
Fatty acids are beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis or other joint diseases.
Exercise your dog-
Exercising can help your dog maintain healthy joints and muscles. At the same time, it is important to tailor your dog’s activity to their individualized needs.