A Senior Dog Health Management - Rich Diet, Exercise, Vet Checkups & Supplements

As humans, your dog too ages and it is relatively earlier than a humans age. With age, numerous health issues arise in your dog such as deterioration of skin and coat, loss of muscle mass, digestion issues, obesity, arthritis, dental problems and decreased ability to fight back infections. However, large size dogs experience age-related changes earlier compared to smaller dogs who live longer. This gives us the hint to estimate when it is a time to feed your canine a senior diet food based on the size. 

A standard guideline to follow to determine how dogs age related to their size is: 

· Small breeds or dogs weighing less than 20 pounds - 7 years of age. 

· Medium breeds and dogs weighing 21 to 50 pounds - 7 years of age. 

· Large breeds and dogs weighing 51 to 90 pounds - 6 years of age. 

· Giant breeds and dogs weighing 91 pounds or more - 5 years of age. 

Say no to diets that have a low level of proteins 

Normally, it is believed that as dogs age, they require less amount of proteins. This is far behind the real fact. Senior dogs require as much protein as they were taking previously. Studies have proven that older dogs need to be facilitated with the proper level of proteins, and this does not open gateways to the development or progression of renal failures. It is even crucial to feed senior dogs with optimal levels of easily digestible proteins to help retain good muscle mass. 

Ensure to Provide Low-Calorie Diet 

Senior dogs have been recorded to attain an extra body fat in spite of consuming fewer calories. Due to the age, this change in a body is unstoppable and may be triggered due to reduced energy spending or a sudden change in metabolism. Whatever the reason is, it is paramount to feed a low-calorie diet to avoid every possibility of weight gain and the problems arising due to obesity. However, meeting the proper protein level is important to support in retaining muscle mass. 

Talk to your vet regarding the change of diet of your older dog

 

Aging can directly affect a dog's intestinal functionality. It can hamper intestinal bacteria, which can surface the symptoms of gastrointestinal infections. When selecting a senior dog diet, ensure it contains FOS (fructooligosaccharides) that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, this invariably helps in proper digestion, preventing any digestive issues. 

Pick foods with a high ratio of vitamin E and Beta-carotene 

Liquid Dog Vitamins

Antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene help in removing free radicals that can largely damage the tissues of the body and can cause signs of aging. Senior dog diets should contain higher levels of these antioxidant compounds. Good amount of antioxidants is responsible for increasing the effectiveness of the immune power in older dogs. 

Stick to Consistency 

Never be inconsistent when it comes to a routine care of geriatric pets. Along with consistent daily routine, timely veterinary examinations should be involved to diagnose the presence or progress of a chronic disease. Stressful situations and abrupt changes in daily routines should be shunned. In case, you are looking to make a drastic change in your older pet's routine, remember to put it on a gradual scale. 

Liquid Glucosamine (Vegetarian)

In a nutshell, senior dogs undergo a variety of physiological changes along with psychological changes. To tackle these changes, it is advisable to follow the right diet that is recommended for older dogs. Two things to care - their weight and agility. Your elder dogs need not only proper diet and optimal weight but also regular health checkups at a vet office. Not limited to this, the care should be extended in adding the nutritional supplements to aid their physical health. Well, taking proper care of your older dog, you can help them pass their golden years happily. 

Liquid Glucosamine for Small Dogs

As your Dog ages, it would be prudent to speak with your veterinarian to find out if giving your dog a vitamin supplement or a supplement to help with any joint problems it may be experiencing would be beneficial. 

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Tips To Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy And Happy

The first thing to think about is, when does my dog become a senior? Generally, giant breed dogs age more quickly than smaller breed dogs. A Great Dane will be senior by about 5 or 6 years of age. A Chihuahua would not become a senior until around 10 or 11 years. Large breed dogs fall in the middle. A Lab may be considered senior by 8 or 10 years of age. Many thing factor into this, such as health, fitness, and nutrition and affect how fast your dog will age.

As your dog grows older he or she may develop arthritis that could slow him down. You will notice that your dog may not be able to walk as far as he used to or play as long. You may see that he may have trouble getting up or seem uncomfortable when trying to sleep. He may seem to not want to go up and down stairs, and may be hesitant to get into and out of the car.

You may also notice weight gain or weight loss. If your dog becomes less active then weight gain will be the result. Dental disease can be painful to your dog, causing your dog to have a hard time eating. Senior dogs also can suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease and other conditions that may result in weight loss.

Here's what you can do the make your senior dog's life great:

Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your dog will need a full exam at least once a year. Even if you feel he is healthy, many diseases are not obvious, and only a Vet can assess his health. It is much easier and certainly better for you and your dog to prevent disease rather than to treat it!

Ask your vet for body condition evaluation. Body condition will determine if your senior dog is overweight, underweight, or at an ideal body weight. You should also ask your vet to show you how to determine your dog's body condition so you can monitor it yourself in between vet visits.

Quality Food. Make sure you're feeding your older dog high quality dog food diet. Learn to read the dog food label and understand what ingredients are important or which are unnecessary. Also pick a diet that is right for your dog's age and activity.

Ideal Weight. Keep your senior dog at the ideal weight using the right diet. Overweight dogs have a higher chance of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Your vet can assist you to pick the right diet for your dog to ensure that all nutritional needs are met while maintain the correct weight.

Dog Vitamins

Think about fortifying your dog's diet. Studies have shown that fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA are effective for dogs with movement issues from arthritis or other joint diseases. Supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are also helpful for senior dogs.

K9 Glucosamine

Special Diets. If your older dog has heart or kidney disease consider a special diet. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your dog based on your dog's individual situation.

Take care of your dog's teeth. It's important to brush your dog's teeth. It can help keep your dog's mouth healthy. If you don't want to brush, then use dental treats or dental toys that help keep teeth clean.

Your senior dog needs exercise. Just like for you, exercise can help keep your older dog maintain healthy joints and muscles. Keep in mind that you need to customize your dog's exercise needs to his own requirements. If your senior is not used to exercise, consult a veterinarian, who will give you ideas and guideline.

Keep your senior dog's mind alert. Food puzzles, for example, are useful for entertainment and for weight loss.

Outward Hound Fun Feeder

Give your older dog comfort. An extra thick soft bed will comfort dogs with arthritis. Pet ramps and stairs can be used to make getting in and out of your vehicle easier and getting up and down from furniture. Put carpeting or rugs over hard floors to help your arthritic dog gain his footing and make it easier for him to get around.

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Does Your Dog Need Supplements To Be Healthy?

Liquid Dog Vitamins

There are a lot of people who take regular vitamins and supplements to keep up with their recommended allowances. However, there are also a number of pet owners who are looking into giving their pets vitamins and other supplements to help keep them as healthy as possible. When you have a dog that you are caring for, it might be in your best interest to learn a lot more about the different supplements, natural additives and multivitamins for their overall health.

The most common supplements and vitamins that you can get for your dog will be those that are known for helping them with support for arthritic joints, fatty acids that work to improve coat shine and even reduce shedding and so much more. Some pet owners have also been giving their dogs a high quality probiotic supplement to help eliminate problems of the gastrointestinal system or even antioxidants that will help to counteract some of the signs of aging and much more.

Liquid Dog Vitamins

If you are a pet owner, you may find yourself asking whether or not a lot of these vitamins and supplements actually work. There are a lot of experts that will be the first to tell you that some will work while others are not quite worth it, just as it would be if you were looking for supplements to take for your own health. It is always going to be in your best interest as well as the best interest of your pet to read into any and all information regarding a supplement that you are thinking of giving your dog. If you are still unsure, it is always a smart bet to talk with your veterinarian to ensure that you are making the right decision and that you are getting the dosage correct for the breed and/or the size of your dog.

Liquid Dog Vitamins

Always take into consideration whether or not your dog is getting the right amount of nutrition from the food that he or she is eating, which should always include good levels of minerals and vitamins. Giving your dog a bit too much calcium could end up causing skeletal problems, especially if you have a larger breed of dog. Vitamin D can also cause a dog to lose their appetite or even harm their muscles or bones over the long term.

With that being said, there is nothing wrong with healthy supplementation for your dog. It is simply a matter of making sure that you are going with the right supplements from a reputable company.

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