Senior Dog Health - Providing The Best Care Possible

There are millions of aging dogs around the world, and it’s important to understand that senior dog health issues are different from dogs that are younger. Older dogs have higher risks for multiple types of diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, loss of vision and hearing loss, along with other complications. There are many factors that you must take into consideration when caring for your senior dog’s health.

The first aspect you need to take into consideration when talking about older dogs is the type of food you’re feeding them. It is common knowledge among pet owners that you can’t feed every dog the same type of food.  Small dogs require different types of food than big dogs, and senior dogs need different food than younger ones. The vitamins and minerals in food are specifically designed to be consumed only by dogs in a certain age and size range. Since dogs can come in different shapes and sizes, it’s important to purchase the correct dog food type for your dog. Purchasing dog food especially designed for older breeds will ensure your dog will remain healthy and active through their senior years.

All dogs need exercise, but older dogs aren’t as capable as younger dogs in getting the proper amount they need to remain healthy. For younger dogs, obtaining exercise is as simple as taking them for a walk or letting them run around outside. However, as dogs become older, they are less capable of achieving these simple tasks and may need assistance when it comes to getting the exercise they need to remain healthy. When you take your senior dog for a walk, it’s important to walk slowly and walk at the pace that suits them. If you notice any obvious limps or stutters, it’s important to take your dog to the vet to have the problem checked out.

You should bring your dog to the vet on a regular basis for checkups regardless of age, but senior dogs need to be brought to the vet yearly to make sure they are in the best condition possible. Older dogs can develop problems and symptoms faster than younger dogs, and often these problems can be threatening to their health. Because dogs that are older than 10 years are getting nearer to the end of their life, it’s important to schedule them for regular veterinarian checkups to ensure they are living a healthy life.

When your dog is reaching up there in years, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure your dog’s quality of life can be the best it can be.  Feeding them the correct food, exercising them regularly, and ensuring they receive proper medical checkups are paramount in ensuring your senior dog health.