Old dogs sometimes lose their teeth – you can ensure they eat their food by adding water to the kibble and pre-soaking it. Remember however that this will lead to more plaque on the teeth, and brushing the dogs teeth daily will help to take care of this problem.
Always be sure that your dog has plenty of fresh water available, and as it gets older make sure, too, that your dog can get up and get to the water. Old dogs generally do not see as well, so make sure that you don’t introduce dangerous or new articles into the environment where your dog generally moves. If your old dog no longer wants to be brushed, and this is often true of longer coated dogs, then shave the parts of the body that become the most matted, (under the tail, the belly, under the elbows, etc.).
Old dogs also need extra coat care. If your old dog no longer wants to be brushed, and this is often true of longer coated dogs, then shave the parts of the body that become the most matted, (under the tail, the belly, under the elbows, etc.).
A dog’s “middle age” is usually from ages 4 to 8, anything after that is a bonus and your dog is in “old age”. None of this article is intended to replace good veterinary care, which is your best insurance that your dog will live to a ripe old age.
Access to fresh water is absolutely necessary. Always be sure that your dog has plenty of fresh water available, and as it gets older make sure, too, that your dog can get up and get to the water. If not, then take the water to the dog!
Old dogs do not move as easily. The best place to keep your old dog is inside. If you can’t do this, provide shelter and be sure to check in extreme weather conditions that your dog is protected from the elements or can get to protection.
A dog’s “middle age” is usually from ages 4 to 8, anything after that is a bonus and your dog is in “old age”. None of this article is intended to replace good veterinary care, which is your best insurance that your dog will live to a ripe old age.
Walk your older dog as much as possible. Even if it doesn’t walk too well, a short walk daily will keep its circulation going and provide some stimulation from the environment, besides which it gives the dog some quality time to be with you. Walking stimulates the blood circulation and keeps the heart muscles stronger.
Old dogs, even if they have had perfect joints often develop arthritis. Arthritis will be compounded by obesity … the BEST way to prevent this particular condition is to keep your dog skinny!
All through life keep your dog at its optimum weight and do not allow it to become fat. Obesity is the biggest cause of other major health concerns in the dog, such as kidney and liver arthritis, diabetes and malfunction. If you do treat your dog a lot, give it pieces of its own kibble and deduct that amount from the amount you feed.
As your dog grows older, the best rule of thumb is to pay attention to details. Such things as irregular breathing, episodes of panting, episodes of whining or crying, weakness in the rear legs … all these things should be reported to your vet. Keep abreast of any changes and give your dog as much good home care and vet care as you can and it will live longer and remain happier.
Old dogs generally do not see as well, so make sure that you don’t introduce dangerous or new articles into the environment where your dog generally moves. If you do, then be sure to “introduce” the old dog to this new element, whether it be clothesline poles or new couches. Sometimes the old dog can’t see this new item and will stumble into it.
