While the fate of your senior dog lies back in its puppyhood, there are ways you can ensure its senior years are golden – even if he or she is not a Golden Retriever. You have to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some of the measures are continuations of the original plan. You may also have to implement certain preventative measures. In all instances, you must always put aside your own personal feelings in favor of your dog. This is not about you. It is about what is best for you and your beloved canine.
Nutrition
At the heart of preventive and ongoing health care for your senior pup is proper nutrition. Keep in mind, the nutritional requirement of your older dog is not the same as that of a puppy. Senior dogs require less protein and fat. They, like their human counterparts, do not require as much salt and phosphorus in their diet. They may also need less food to meet their daily tasks and needs.
One thing you need to avoid is an obese elder citizen. This means cutting down on the excess – whether it be table scraps, doggy treats or an extra scoop of food. Continue to coddle your deserving pet, but do so within limits. Feed age appropriate or life style food. Check with your Vet to ensure Charmer is getting the right food with the right nutrition. In some instances, your dog may not need to adopt lite puppy food or senior chow. It depends upon his or her metabolism.
Another factor in what your food receives in the dog dish is its physical condition. If your dog has poor teeth, you may need to change the diet. There are also genetic predispositions to continue. Food intake and type also relies upon another important factor. Big or small, large or petite, swift or snail-like, by now you and your dog should be well into a firmly entrenched exercise routine.
Exercise
Dogs require exercise. Humans do, too. The two need to work together to ensure it is a fun process. While your elderly statesdog may not be as active as a young pup, he or she still requires exercise. Daily exercise is the key to maintaining a dog’s health. A senior canine needs daily exercise if he or she is to avoid some of the problems of old age. If you let your pup lie around all day, it increases the pain of several diseases including osteoarthritis. If you want to decrease the chance of onset or ensure the pain decreases, keeping the joints limber. This also aids in improving your senior pet’s overall mobility.
Making sure your pet exercises regularly increases the flow of blood as well as the circulation of the lymph system. You may have to guide your dog on some days. Help them onto their feet. Use a sling if necessary on the bad days. It is not good for them to just lie there, doing nothing and slowly seizing up. Consult your vet as to what is feasible and humane. Maybe hydrotherapy – swimming, will be beneficial for your dog.
Whatever you do, make sure your dog keeps moving. It is fine to let sleeping dogs lie. Your senior dog will sleep more frequently and longer. This is not, however, an excuse to avoid any form of exercise. Help Prince avoid such serious issues as stiffness and obesity. Ensure you maintain some form of regular and joint stimulating exercise. Combine this with a careful diet catered to his nutritional needs. In doing so, Charming will be able to enjoy healthier and happier Golden Years.
