When should you consider your dog to be a senior? This is normally judged by how large the animal is because smaller dogs tend to live longer on average than do large dogs. If your pet weighs less than 20 pounds, normally the onset of old age would come at about the age of ten in most cases. For dogs that weight between 20 and 50 pounds the age to start looking for the effects of getting older would start at about the age of 9 years. For large dogs weighing 50 pounds or more, you might begin to see the effects of aging as early as 7 years of age.
Even if your dog has become a senior citizen by the definitions given above, it stills needs lots of exercise and fresh air. Dog owners need to be watchful and careful, however. Your pet likely will not have the same amount of strength and energy that it did when it was younger, so be aware if the animal is having trouble keeping up and if you need to adjust and slow the routine.
Good nutritional habits are important for older dogs, and you might want to consider feeding your pet with food that is easy to digest. You can find out from your veterinarian if this is appropriate for your pet. At the same time it is good to inquire about possible supplements the vet might recommend for older dogs.
Once your dog reaches the senior stages of its life, it is recommended that the owner have his pet undergo and evaluation by a veterinarian about every six months. Having a thorough examination will allow the medical problems that are associated with old age in dogs to be spotted and treated early-on. These problems include ailments like obesity, joint problems like arthritis, kidney disease, and eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma.
Other things to watch for if your dog is old are sensitivities to heat and cold, and slippery floors can be a problem as well. If your pet struggles on slippery floors it would be a good idea to put a throw rug or two at places where the dog likes to move. If your pet has slept for years on a couch or bed and is now having trouble getting up to that level, it is a good idea to buy a new dog bed and help the animal get used to this new sleeping situation. You will also probably find that your older dog is more likely to need to urinate more often that it did in the past.
Even if your dog has become a senior citizen by the definitions given above, it stills needs lots of exercise and fresh air. Dog owners need to be watchful and careful, however. Your pet likely will not have the same amount of strength and energy that it did when it was younger, so be aware if the animal is having trouble keeping up and if you need to adjust and slow the routine.
Good nutritional habits are important for older dogs, and you might want to consider feeding your pet with food that is easy to digest. You can find out from your veterinarian if this is appropriate for your pet. At the same time it is good to inquire about possible supplements the vet might recommend for older dogs.
Once your dog reaches the senior stages of its life, it is recommended that the owner have his pet undergo and evaluation by a veterinarian about every six months. Having a thorough examination will allow the medical problems that are associated with old age in dogs to be spotted and treated early-on. These problems include ailments like obesity, joint problems like arthritis, kidney disease, and eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma.
Other things to watch for if your dog is old are sensitivities to heat and cold, and slippery floors can be a problem as well. If your pet struggles on slippery floors it would be a good idea to put a throw rug or two at places where the dog likes to move. If your pet has slept for years on a couch or bed and is now having trouble getting up to that level, it is a good idea to buy a new dog bed and help the animal get used to this new sleeping situation. You will also probably find that your older dog is more likely to need to urinate more often that it did in the past.
About the Author:
If your dog or cat has arthritis, check out Dog Illness Diagnosis and find out about a natural supplement to relieve your pet's pain. Also learn Signs Your Dog is Getting Sick.
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