Five Ways To Keep Your Older Dog In Good Health

You love your dog and naturally want him to be healthy and carefree in his golden years, just as he's always been. To make sure of this, follow these five tips:

A High Quality Diet

Your senior dog needs a good food that's high in nutrients, but likely lower in calories. Unless your older dog is very active, ask your vet about a food suitable for senior dogs who may not be as rambunctious as they once were. While it's very important he eats a well-balanced diet, the food you fed him in his younger years may not be the most appropriate now.

Regular Exercise

Of course, your senior dog isn't going to be jumping through hoops and chasing toys the way he once did, but he still needs regular exercise. A nice walk two or three times a day should do it, so stroll around the block a few times with him first thing in the morning, midday if your work schedule allows and definitely after dinner. These walks won't just be healthy for your dog, they'll also be good for you and whomever else brings him out for walks.

Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Too many people make excuses for their dog's weight, particularly as they age. This can lead to a number of health related complications if you're not careful. Be honest about what's going on with your older dog and listed to what your vet tells you about an ideal weight. If the dog is slow to get up, reluctant to exercise and expanding in his roundness at the same time, consider putting him on a restricted calorie diet. Since he is older, though, you need to follow more careful health guidelines.

Great Dental Care

Just like people, dogs need extra care of their teeth as they age. Offer your dog low-calorie chews that can help remover tartar build up on his teeth, or cookies that are specially designed to clean a dog's teeth. Consider a toothbrush, if you're brave and the pooch is tolerant - it can go a long way in preventing dental problems.

Annual Checkups

Even if your older dog appears to be in good health, make sure you take him to the vet on a yearly basis. The vet will evaluate his general health, weight, dental situation and other issues you may have missed or not be qualified to diagnose.

Your dog will live a longer, healthier life when you take good care of him. As he gets older, this is more important than ever.

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The Basics Of Dog Care

When you decide to bring a dog into your home, you make a commitment to his or her health. You have to make sure that he or she is healthy in every stage of life. You are now responsible for pet's health and happiness.

The health care needs for your dog change over the years, evolve at every stage of life. Here are some of your dog's health care needs at every stage and age.

The Right Health Care For Young Puppies

Vaccinations are very important during the first few months of your puppy's life. Your puppy will receive a few series of vaccinations and booster shots every three weeks until they are four to five months old. And these formative years are the perfect time to develop good dog health care habits like protecting them from heart worm and fleas.

According to Dr. Mark Stickney, DVM, clinical assistant professor, chair of the internship selection committee and director of general surgery services at the College of Veterinary Medicine's department of small animal medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University in College Station, "These vaccines protect your puppy against diseases."

Another pet health care is neutering or spaying. It is an operation that removes the reproductive organs of your pets. Early spaying or neutering prevents accidental pregnancies and diminishes health and behavioural problems.

Dental health is likewise very important. It keeps your dog's teeth strong and healthy. The current recommendation is to have the teeth brushed daily and cleaned yearly.

The Suitable Health Care For Adult Dogs

Your favorite domesticated animal is considered an adult from age two to age seven. During this period, the health care revolves around preventing problems (illnesses) and treating them. It is recommended that you meet a veterinarian yearly for a physical examination. The expert veterinarian will check carefully the possible health problems.

Rabies vaccinations should be given from one up to three years. The veterinarian may determine other vaccinations that your dog might need. Even though heart worm preventatives effectively work 100%, the pet health expert might like to repeat the test every year or two to make sure everything pertinent to the animal's health.

The Ultimate Health Care For Senior Dogs

Dogs are considered senior when they reach the age of seven years. That is the time when the veterinarians recommend yearly blood check-up to look for any disease, like kidney disease. If your favorite pet develops any health problem during this age and stage, you may need to visit the vet twice or more a year.

The veterinarian may immediately determine that your pet animal is showing worrisome symptoms, like limping, lameness, appetite changes, inactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe itching. These things need regular check-ups. By following your vets' advices and recommendations, your pet can have the optimum health and wellness.

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