When is a dog is considered senior?

While there is no set age at which every pet is considered senior, many veterinarians believe a dog is in his senior years when he reaches the last third of his normal life expectancy.

Start taking care before he gets there. I am told all the time how young my boy looks. I have always been careful of his diet.

The good news is that the over all health of your older dog is in your hands directly as you are the one who feeds him.  Keeping your older dogs weight down is vital to helping him age well. There have been countless studies that show that giving them less is more. Veggies for treats will benefit them so much more. Many people kill their dog with what they think is kindness. Table food and fast food can cause so many digestive problems including Pancreatitis.

The use of Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Vitamin C. are helping older dogs stay active and thus and live longer. Many dog foods now even include that in the foods for older dogs. Using “Adult Maturity” formulas is a great way to take care of your older dog.

Exercise is so very important at every stage in your pet's life. In the later years it is still just as important. It just has to be adjusted so that you avoid injury to older dogs. Many of our older dogs loss valuable muscle mass as they get older this can contribute to weight gain as there is not the same muscle mass to expend all those calories. They need walks and even some running but shorter in distance to prevent injury. Swims are very nice for them.

Giving an arthritic dog access to a ramp to get up and down from vehicles is helpful.

Pay closer attention to changes in your older dog. These small changes can signal possible health problems or future concerns. Watch for growths, muscle changes, eyes, ears, even changes in the voice can signal things to watch for.

Old Joints can get very sore. Laying on hard surfaces can hurt. Give them a good supportive foam mattress made for pets.

MW