The Geriatric (older) Dog

Moses Chia, Fri Dec 9th

Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually accordingto size and breed. It is commonly held that dogs live 7 yearsfor every year that we man does. However, this serve as only arough guide when converting and calculating your dog’s age asdogs grow up very rapidly in their early years and then slowdown. For example, a 1 year old dog is comparable to a 15 yearold kid, at age 6, he is comparable to 40 years old in humanterms. By 12, it is consider a geriatric dog and is equivalentto an 80 year old man. It is generally believed that the smallerthe dog breeds, the longer they live. Small breeds such asTerrier and Poodle may not slow down until 13 or 14 and couldlive to 17. On the other hand, larger breeds such as Great Daneand Wolfhounds rarely live pass 9 years. Diet A healthy diet forthe older dog should be senior food that are formulated with lowin fat and salt for a healthy heart, lower calories to helpcombat obesity since they are less active, lower protein to helpthe kidneys and liver, and higher fiber for the bowels toprevent constipation. A switch to a specially formulatedcommercial diet for the older dog will usually perk him up. Ifyou have no clues about your older dog’s diet, you shouldconsult your vet for advice. Medical attention You’ll probablyfind that your older dog needs more medical attention thanbefore because this is the time where age-related problems startto kick in. If possible, try to make more than just an annualvisit to the vet and keep vaccinations up to date. A yearlygeriatric screen, including blood and x-ray would also be usefulto keep a closer eye on his health. Patience Patience is a keyfactor on your part when you deal with your beloved dog as hegrows older. More often than not, he will develop age relatedproblems such as tooth decay, periodontal diseases, visionimpairment, hearing loss and also less active than before. Inany case, try to give them more time and understanding becausethey are not in their prime anymore. With enough love and care,older dogs can still continue their enjoyment of life well intoold age. Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you willbe as old as me and you will see how it feels. ~ unknown dog

About the author:Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner ofhttp://DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resourcesite for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprintthis article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Dogs For Adoption By Veronica Ramirez I have a friend who would give just about anything to get a dog. She is always online looking for dogs for adoption, though she knows she is only torturing herself. She is married to a man who she Read more...

Boxers Dogs As Pets - Are They Right For You? By Kathy Burns-Millyard, Fri Dec 9th Pet Boxers, although low-maintenance, require your consistentattention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obediencetraining and lots of love. You cannot leave them to their owndesign for too Read more...

Do You Have A Pet? Maybe A Nice Little Persian Kitten Or Golden Retriever? Well, If You Do Have A Pet, Then You're Probably An Animal Lover. I've Yet To Meet Someone Who Owned A Pet, But Didn't Like Animals. Anyway, Some Interesting Topics Arise When It Comes To Domesticated Animals Now Days. One Of Them Is Shock Collars For Dogs. How Much Negative Reinforcement Is Too Much? Are We Actually Protecting Our Pets Or Being Cruel To Them? This Is An Issue Mocked And Ridiculed In The Media These Days. Just Check Out The Last Jim Carrey Flick, "fun With Dick And Jane." He Actually Puts One Of The Contemporary Shock Collars For Dogs Around His Own Neck To Test It Out. However He Is Unpleasantly Surprised By How Strong It Is. What Do You Think? Cruel And Unusual Or Necessary? By Veronica Ramirez Would you put one of the new shock collars for dogs on your pet? Maybe you already have one on your dog because he stays outdoors. I think it's important to address why someone may purchase a shock Read more...

Dog Kennels News: