Tips for Caring for Old Dogs

No one likes their dog to get old and frail, but every pet is going to get older sooner or later! Usually a dog or a cat that is about eight years old is starting to become a "senior" in regards to dog years (it would be about 56 years in "people years"). If your dog is getting older in years, you probably are thinking about the changes that will need to take place as you care for your dog. When caring for an older dog, you will need to make a lot of changes in regards to the dog's health and food. Here are a couple of tips for caring for old dogs:

1. Go to the vet twice a year: Once your dog is about eight years of age, it is a good idea to start taking your dog to the vet twice a year for a checkup. As dogs get older, they are more likely to develop different medical conditions and problems - often you might not have an idea that your dog has a medical issue before even visiting your vet! Regular checkups with the vet will ensure that your older dog is going to stay happy and healthy.
2. Mop up spills: As a dog gets older, it is easier for a dog to lose its balance. In addition, some dogs also don't have as keen of a sense of sight when they get older. For this reason, it is really important that you mop up spills right away - your dog could slip and fall easily on a spill. A lot of spills can occur around the feeding bowls, so make sure that water never leaks onto the floor in that area.
3. Switch to "senior" dog food: If you have been feeding your dog the standard original dog food formula, you might want to switch and feed your dog "senior" dog food instead. The senior diet will help to make sure that your dog gets a balanced diet without consuming too many calories. Some of the premium senior dog food diets are sold by Science Diet and Iams. NOTE: If you are feeding your dog a specialty or prescribed diet by your vet, check with your vet before switching your dog to senior dog food.
4. Arthritis: If your old dog has arthritis, there are a couple of things that you should change around your house. First, you should elevate food and water bowls so that your pet doesn't have to bend down very far. Elevated stands for food bowls can be bought at local pet stores like PetsMart. In addition, it is a good idea to install a "dog gate" across your stairways so that your dog doesn't strain its joints going up and down the stairs.
5. Teeth care: Another important thing to do when caring for old dogs is get your dog's teeth cleaned regularly. Many pet groomers provide dental service for dogs. This will not only help to prevent the loss of teeth, but it also is a great precaution against gingivitis.
6. Watch your pet carefully: Another thing that is important to do when caring for an older dog is watching your dog carefully. You know your pet and its behavior the best, so constantly watch for changes in behavior. Also, you should also watch for changes in your dog's normal eating and sleeping patterns. If you are noticing problems like weight loss, trembling, shaping or sleep pattern changes, you should contact your vet right away to see if the problem is medical related.

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