We all grow old sooner or later.  Our canine friends do too.  Thanks to the advancements in veterinary care in recent years, dogs are living well into the senior years.  Dog owners of today see their dogs more as family members than as pets.  For this reason, people are becoming more and more interested in providing the best care for their dogs as they approach old age. 

The onset of old age varies according to the size and breed of your dog.  Generally, smaller breed dogs live longer than larger dogs.  Therefore, the onset of old age will be sooner for a larger dog than it will be for a smaller dog.  Another factor which will affect the beginning of old age is the general health of the dog.  A predominately healthy dog will probably show less signs of aging than an unhealthy dog.  Traumatized or abused dogs, even after finding a caring home, may exhibit the symptoms of old age at a faster rate than dogs with happier pasts.   

One of the main signs of aging in dogs is the lack of physical energy.  Dogs slow down as they grow older.  They will rest and sleep more than they ever did before.  Because of this decrease in activity, your dog may have less of an appetite.  Another symptom of old age in dogs is the appearance of fatty tumors which are most likely benign.  You may also notice that your older dog doesn’t see or hear as well as he once did.  Just like people, dogs can act grumpy and old age can make them even grumpier.  Older dogs can also feel more vulnerable and startle easily by sudden movements or loud noises.  It’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the interaction of a small child with an elderly dog.  The child may accidentally frighten the older dog and cause him to bite or nip in defense. 

The first step in enhancing the life of your older dog is following a proper wellness program.  This program should consist of regular trips to the veterinarian, following a senior diet, providing ample exercise and maintaining a healthy environment.  With proper care, it is more than possible for your dog to live out his senior years in comfort.

Visiting the veterinarian regularly should be number one on your list of things to do for your senior dog.  Most animal clinics recommend that an older dog should receive check-ups every six months or at least once a year.  It is essential that your dog see the veterinarian even if he doesn’t appear sick.  Some illnesses have a way of creeping up unnoticed in the later years.  Through scheduled exams and routine testing, a veterinarian has a better chance of finding a medical problem when it is still in the early stages and still treatable.  It is common for a veterinarian to check a senior dog’s blood, urine and stool for possible irregularities.  Some common problems in canine seniors are diabetes, incontinence, arthritis, fatty tumors, and cataracts among others.  It’s important to remember that if your older dog does become ill, the healing process may be slow. 

In some cases, canine seniors need to be on medications or supplements to help them cope with old age.  Allivet Pet Pharmacy carries a wide variety of medications and supplements for aging dogs such as joint pain remedies, diabetes treatments, andurinary incontinence drugs.

Proper dental care will help prevent future infections and possibly prolong your dog’s life.  The veterinarian may suggest brushing your senior dog’s teeth at least twice a week if you don’t already do so.  Dental cleaning kits are available at Allivet.com  

Another component in a wellness program for the canine elderly has to be good nutrition.  Various dog foods geared toward canine seniors exist on the market today.   If your dog has a certain medical condition such as diabetes, there are prescription diet food available as well.  Overfeeding is a major concern in older dogs.  Seniors don’t expend as much energy as younger dogs, so they don’t need as much food as they once did.  Obesity is a growing problem which can lead to more medical complications for dogs.  Your dog’s veterinarian can help you decide which dog food to use and how much of it to give.

Exercise is another essential part of your dog’s overall wellness program.  Daily walks are an easy way for your senior to receive the adequate exercise he needs.  You may notice that your dog can’t walk as far or as fast as he once did.  It’s important to adjust the walks to accommodate the senior years.  Special leashes, such as The Bottom's Up Leash, are available at Allivet.com.  They aid the arthritic dog by helping to support the back end.  Another good form of exercise is swimming.  If your dog enjoys swimming, then allow him the opportunity to do it as much as possible. 

Your canine senior’s wellness program should include an age-appropriate living environment.  A healthy environment should include a soft, cushioned place to sleep.  This ensures that your older dog will receive the proper rest and sleep that he so desperately craves.  If your dog sleeps on the furniture or on your bed, he might have trouble jumping up as he grows older.  Providing a stool or a small step ladder might help your dog reach his destination easier.  Dogs with cataracts or bad eyesight might not navigate very well.  In this case, it’s a good idea not to move objects, such as furniture, into their paths around the house.  Dogs with incontinence might leave urine stains at their sleeping spots.  Placing a waterproof pad under them when they rest will make clean-ups more manageable and make the dog more comfortable.

Dogs grow old and that’s a fact.  Dog owners, however, can ease some of the stresses associated with growing old.  If your dog shows signs of slowing down, establishing a proper wellness program is essential.  Regular veterinary check-ups, good nutrition, adequate exercise and providing a comfortable environment should all be a part of this program.  In addition to the wellness program, dog owners should remember to enjoy the time they have left with their senior dogs.  Try not to view the aging process as something miserable, but as something beautiful and natural.