Vet Care For Senior Dogs
Whether your dog is entering his twilight years or you have recently adopted an older dog from a shelter, you will find that there tends to be an increase in the amount veterinary care that your pet needs. Just as humans do, dogs become susceptible to a broad array of illness when they get older, and if they are to maintain a high quality of life, regular visits to the veterinarian can help them do this. Take some time and be aware of some of the procedures and medications that your veterinarian might deem necessary for your dog to live comfortably.
Annual Physical Exam
As your dog gets older, make sure that you take him to the vet at least once a year. If your dog has been sickly or has been showing signs of poor health or fatigue, you may find that more frequent visits are in order. For some older dogs, having an exam twice a year is ideal. Make sure that you tell your veterinarian of anything you have observed in your dog or any changes you might feel are important. Your veterinarian may also want to give your dog an oral and rectal exam as well as give him an eye exam as well. Because many dogs develop things like cataracts and glaucoma as they get older, this will be essential.
Heartworm Disease Prevention
If you live in an area where heartworm disease is common, you will want to make sure that you are regularly giving your dog something that will prevent this heavily taxing disease from taking root. Talk to your doctor and make sure that you understand the dosage that is required along with the frequency by which you give it.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are another thing that you need to consider when you are thinking about the quality of veterinary care that is necessary for your dog. Vaccinations essentially help shore up your dog’s immune system, and if you want to make sure that your dog is healthy and happy, keep his vaccinations up to date. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you as to what is appropriate and necessary
Why Your Dog Might Need a Urinalysis
There are a number of problems that might be identified and then solved based on a urinalysis. This series of tests can provide your veterinarian with a wealth of information and the sample is relatively easy to obtain. Your dog’s urine should be fairly consistent, and if you have noticed a change in the amount, color or odor, or if you have noticed that he is having accidents that he has not had since he was a puppy, now is the time to see if a urinalysis is in order.
Take some time to really consider what your pet dog needs. Older dogs often find themselves facing a host of medical problems, and if you want to make sure that your pet is comfortable and able to enjoy himself, be alert to the signs that something is wrong. Acting sooner than later can make all the difference when it comes to preserving your dog’s life and happiness!
Article by Kelly Marshall of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, your top spot to purchase cool orthopedic dog beds online.
A Senior Dog Diet-just When Should You Give Your Dog One?
You may not want to admit it, but your furry friend is getting older. So you will want to make sure your pet will be happy and healthy for the more years to come. You may have seen all of the promotions about the new dog diets for older pets. Are there differences between dog food for adult dogs and kibble that is recommended specifically for seniors? How will you know when to switch your pet to a different diet?
The best resource for information about dog diets is your pets veterinarian. Only you and your vet know the specific needs of your pet the best. Discuss with your vet your concerns and questions. He or she will be able to advise you on what changes, if any, need to be made to your dogs diet.
If your senior dog does not have any trouble with there health and has a healthy weight, there will be not a need to change your dogs diet from adult to senior dog food. But, if weight is the an issue, consider giving smaller portions of dog food to your pet. This may be the only change you need to make to your dogs diet requires.
A senior dog is classed as a dog in the last third of their life. Larger dogs, such as Great Danes, live to be about 9 years old. When they reach the age of 9 years old, you may want to think about a senior dogs diet. On the other hand, a Poodle will not reach senior status until about age of ten, this is due to the longer life expectancy. The decision to alter your dogs diet should be based on there health condition, rather than there actual age in years. Your vet will help you to decide when the right time is to change your dogs diet.
Dog food specially made for senior dogs has less calories. This helps any weight issues. Senior dog food also contains more fiber for the different dietary needs in your dogs diet. As dogs age, they tend to have constipation, this extra fiber will help relieve this problem.
Renal failure can be another medical problem for senior dogs. How can your dogs diet help this problem? Reducing the amount of protein in your dogs diet will decrease the work load for the kidneys. For this reason, senior dog food frequently has lower protein content than regular adult formulas.
Whenever possible, allow your dog to eat dry dog food to encourage excellent dental health. The dry kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If your older pet refuses to eat the food dry, you may need to moisten it with water or purchase moist canned varieties.
When your vet recommends supplements may be a help as part of your senior dogs diet. It Is because, some pets are unable to eat properly due to dental problems. many other older pets are not able to gain all of the nutrients from their food, this again is for various health reasons. Supplements such as, vitamins given everyday and glucosamine can be a great help to maintain a healthy diet for your dog.
Glucosamine helps joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can help to fight arthritis and hip displasia.
Vitamins C, A, and E, are helpful in preventing the natural aging process and promote better health for senior dogs. You should always talk with your vet before adding such supplements to your dogs diet.
You will want as we all want, what is best for your pet. Your senior dog needs to have a diet that meets their particular nutritional requirements. Work together with your vet, and you can both decide what is the best diet for your senior dog. Your dogs diet have a direct affect his or her health. Take care of your pet by observing your dogs diet closely, with the aid of your vet you should have a happy, health dog for many years to come.
G D Williams is an up and coming expert on pets and pet health. For more free information on dog diets, try visiting Dog Diet Tips. A popular website that provides advice and resources to include information Avoid Table Scraps in Your Dogs Diet.
Senior Dogs Their Golden Years
Senior dogs are caring, patient, loyal and seasoned. Once they reach their “Golden Years”, much like our grandparents, dogs know you well and they’re also worth special care to keep them well and happy for as long a possible.
Veterinary checkups will become extremely important once your dog reaches senior status. Keep in mind that the age your dog reaches senior status depends on the breed and other factors. A close relationship with your pet’s veterinarian is vital in understanding all the changes your dog will go through as he ages. Your veterinarian will perform x-rays, urine tests and blood work to ensure a quality life for your elderly dog and advise you of any lifestyle changes he may require.
Your elderly dog may have some inherited medical problems that come about during the aging process. Some of these medical problems include hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, some forms of cancers, diminished vision and hearing loss, changes in their kidneys and liver functions, and some forms of cognitive dysfunctions and mental confusion. If caught in time and treated correctly, many of these conditions can be prevented. Proper treatment can provide a normal lifespan for your best friend.
Old age in your dog is not a disease; it is a normal and inevitable part of life. It is up to us, the pet-parent, to make this transition as comfortable and relaxed for our pet. They count on us as a source of friendship, food, shelter and companionship. Most of all cherish your dog’s senior years. They are wonderful times and they pass too quickly.
About the Author: Lissette Robaina is the owner of Amazingdogsplace.com, a leading provider of dogs supplies for sale. For more information, please visit http://www.amazingdogsplace.com
Boost Senior Dog Health with Natural Remedies
As your pet ages, senior dog health should become a priority. Certain breeds develop age-related problems as they get older. Other dogs develop issues that have to do with diet and lifestyle, so it’s important to come up with a preventative plan, just as you would for your own health. In this article, you’ll learn what you can do to boost your dog’s vitality and immunity.
Any dog over seven years of age can begin to show these age related symptoms, and larger dogs are more likely to suffer from age related problems. Senior dog health problems, like senior human health problems, vary from bone and joint related problems, dysfunction of organs like the liver or kidneys. Metabolisms tend to slow down, and eyes and ears get weaker. Skin and coat loose their youthful glossy look, and teeth and gums begin to rot, as they do in humans.
Senior dog health is an iffy thing, and takes a lot more maintenance than that of a younger dog or a puppy. Older dogs not only tend to be less energetic, they also have lower recuperative powers. So, if an older dog falls ill, she takes much longer o recover, especially after a harsh treatment by conventional antibiotic drugs. This is where natural homeopathic treatments can make a large and significant difference to the ongoing maintenance of the health of your pet.
Problems of the bones and joints, like arthritis, which are chronic, are also helped enormously by natural remedies. Weakened eyesight, and weakening of the heart, lungs, liver, etc, can be arrested, and slowed significantly by herbal remedies, and long term natural treatment. Older dogs are more prone to infectious diseases as well, because their immune systems become weaker with age, which leaves them vulnerable to viral and bacterial attacks. Any of these infections can cause serious and life threatening senior dog health problems.
The right and continuous administration of holistic and natural treatments can make a big difference to how your dog deals with infections too. Herbal treatments help to bolster the immune system, making your dog stronger, and better able to resist or deal with infectious agents.
Maintaining the health of an older dog entails paying more attention to age-related health issues. Do the research, and make sure you are up-to-date as far as possible problems are concerned. Find out the specific health issues that your dog is likely to face. There are problems associated with specific breeds and age groups of dogs.
Help your dog adjust with advancing age by changing her lifestyle and diet to go with her lower energy and metabolism levels. Adding daily herbal supplements like Huang Qi, Mistletoe, Purple Coneflower, Indian ginseng, and Milk Thistle can help improve senior dog health by boosting immunity and fighting diseases like cancer. Just remember that homeopathy or holistic treatments must be continued long term, and as specified, for full effects to be felt.
Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of products that help restore health and vitality to pets and people and keep their immune system strong for prevention. To learn more about her findings, go to www.pet-health-supplements.com.
Senior Dog Health ? Great Ways to Keep your Senior Dog Healthy
Senior dog health is something that you should be concerned about, especially if you own an older dog. A senior dog’s needs are different from that of younger dogs, and its energy level is much lower, too. As a dog owner, you’re going to have to be more careful about handling senior dog health.
A dog is considered senior at different ages, depending on the breed. Smaller dogs may reach their senior years at the age of 10, and bigger breeds can be considered senior as early as five years old.
To be sure, consult your veterinarian about this matter. If your dog does indeed fall under the category of senior, then you should start being more aware of its needs and taking note of any developments. You may notice that your dog may be moving more slowly than it used to, and it is less resistant to diseases and may be having frequent bowel movements and urination.
As your pet grows older, you should look into a different kind of food for him, one that is specially formulated for older dogs. This kind of dog food can help maintain your dog’s weight, keeping it from tipping the scales, unlike those containing lesser nutrients that may make your pet vulnerable to diseases.
Even though your dog is aging, this doesn’t mean that you should just leave it alone and keep it from moving. Exercise is especially important for senior dog health, because simply having your dog do nothing but lie around will not help it in any way, and may even accelerate its body’s deterioration.
As part of being aware of senior dog health, you should also bear in mind that your dog will be susceptible to certain diseases.
If your dog suffers from arthritis, you will notice that its movements are stiff, and it may even have difficulty keeping up with you during walks. You can help ease this condition by helping your dog lose weight or through recommended medication.
If your dog’s hearing and vision are deteriorating, you should consult the veterinarian to find out what causes these changes. In the meantime, make sure you pet is kept out of harm’s way.
Periodontal disease is another sign that better attention must be given to senior dog health. Its symptoms include the buildup of plaque and even gingivitis. In this case, you should have your dog’s teeth cleaned regularly and don’t forget to give it chew toys as well.
You should remember to stay on top of senior dog health and always be alert when it comes to any changes taking place in your older dog. Schedule regular checkups with the vet and make sure that your senior dog still gets enough exercise. Your dog may be getting on in years, but this is no reason for you to stop enjoying its company and making sure it stays in good condition.
Prolong your dog’s life and know the life-saving secrets that most dog-lovers will never know about detecting bad dog food and solving dog health problems at http://www.20daypersuasion.com/dogs-exposed.htm