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