| Generally speaking, a dog over the age of 8 | | | | of arthritis is to feed a food that is |
| is considered "old". Depending on the breed, | | | | labelled "Senior" as most of these foods have |
| your dog's lifespan will be anywhere from 7 | | | | the right combination of nutrients to prevent |
| to 17 years. A dog's "middle age" is usually | | | | obesity, including chondroitin and sulfate. |
| from age 4 to 8, anything after that is a | | | | You can also find supplements which will |
| bonus and your dog is in "old age". Start | | | | contain these beneficial elements.Old dogs do |
| your dog's "senior" years off by having a vet | | | | not move as easily. They may not be able to |
| exam once yearly, so that you can keep pace | | | | get up and move to a shady place if they are |
| with any condition that might develop. None | | | | outdoors in the hot sun, and likewise to a |
| of this article is intended to replace good | | | | warm place if they are outdoors in the cold. |
| veterinary care, which is your best insurance | | | | The best place to keep your old dog is |
| that your dog will live to a ripe old age.All | | | | inside. If you can't do this, provide |
| through life keep your dog at its optimum | | | | shelter and be sure to check in extreme |
| weight and do not allow it to become fat. | | | | weather conditions that your dog is protected |
| Obesity is the biggest cause of other major | | | | from the elements or can get to protection. |
| health concerns in the dog, such as kidney | | | | Wherever they are, the older dog suffers more |
| and liver malfunction, diabetes and | | | | from joint pain, and good bedding is |
| arthritis. Don't give too many treats - this | | | | important to provide comfort. Keep a good |
| will add pounds! If you do treat your dog a | | | | supply of old quilts and rugs for bedding, |
| lot, give it pieces of its own kibble and | | | | and wash these frequently to prevent flea |
| deduct that amount from the amount you feed. | | | | infestation. If the dog is outdoors, provide |
| Do not "self-feed", this can lead to | | | | clean straw, and change it regularly.Old dogs |
| digestive problems. Feed twice daily or once | | | | generally do not see as well so make sure |
| daily and pick the food up that is not eaten. | | | | that you don't introduce new or dangerous |
| This is also the best way to regulate the | | | | articles into the environment where your dog |
| amount your are feeding your dog.Old dogs | | | | generally moves. If you do, then be sure to |
| sometimes lose their teeth - you can ensure | | | | "introduce" the old dog to this new element, |
| they eat their food by adding water to the | | | | whether it be clothesline poles or new |
| kibble and pre-soaking it. Remember however | | | | couches. Sometimes the old dog can't see |
| that this will lead to more plaque on the | | | | this new item and will stumble into it.Old |
| teeth, and brushing the dogs teeth daily will | | | | dogs also need extra coat care. Since they |
| help to take care of this problem.Access to | | | | spend most of their time lying down, it is |
| fresh water is absolutely necessary. Always | | | | possible that the underbelly can get |
| be sure that your dog has plenty of fresh | | | | inflammations or a matted coat. Check often |
| water available, and as it gets older make | | | | that the dog is clean and free from mats. If |
| sure, too, that your dog can get up and get | | | | your old dog no longer wants to be brushed, |
| to the water. If not, then take the water to | | | | and this is often true of longer coated dogs, |
| the dog!Walk your older dog as much as | | | | then shave the parts of the body that become |
| possible. Even if it doesn't walk too well, | | | | the most matted, (under the tail, the belly, |
| a short walk daily will keep its circulation | | | | under the elbows, etc.).As your dog grows |
| going and provide some stimulation from the | | | | older, the best rule of thumb is to pay |
| environment, besides which it gives the dog | | | | attention to details. Such things as |
| some quality time to be with you. Walking | | | | irregular breathing, episodes of panting, |
| stimulates the blood circulation and keeps | | | | episodes of crying or whining, weakness in |
| the heart muscles stronger.Old dogs, even if | | | | the rear legs...all these things should be |
| they have had perfect joints often develop | | | | reported to your vet. Keep abreast of any |
| arthritis. Arthritis will be compounded by | | | | changes and give your dog as much good home |
| obesity... the BEST way to prevent this | | | | care and vet care as you can and it will live |
| particular condition is to keep your dog | | | | longer and remain happier. |
| skinny! A good way to prevent the severity | | | | |