Old age health care in dogs is a relatively new concept. Improvements in canine medical care, as well as an increase in our knowledge about how to take care of our pets, has lengthened the average canine lifespan. With a dog's average lifespan now twelve years, owners can reasonably expect their pets to be around for up to fifteen years. To ensure your dog has a long and happy life, there are a number of things you should know about caring for an older animal.

Although Luxated patella is not a condition that needs to be treated in the emergency room, getting your dog tested for this disorder prevents it from becoming worse.  All dogs should be tested because a slipped kneecap can affect dogs of all breeds and sizes. However, if you own a small or a toy dog breed, you should have him tested for luxated patella as soon as possible.

Sometimes, our dogs need a little help with supplements as well. Here is some information that should help you in making the choices available.

Melatonin-- Used To Treat Your Dog's Fear of Thunderstorms: Many dogs are scared of loud noises, specifically thunderstorms and other similar, unexpected sounds that rattle their ears. This is especially true for puppies. They are not used to hearing loud booming sounds and their ears are sharper and more sensitive than adult dog's ears.

Coccidia is a common problem in Shih Tzu and other breed. It is most serious in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry. In dogs, cats, and horses, it is less often diagnosed, but can result in clinical illness in some animals, which includes the Shih Tzu. Coccidiosis is actually “always” present among canines, but not all dogs or Shih Tzu show clinical signs of the disease. Shih Tzu puppies and other breeds of puppies as well are especially susceptible to coccidiosis and it can be fatal for a puppy.

Every Working Dog handler knows that “Failure to Thrive” and “Hip Dysplasia” are big issues for Shepherds. But do you know why? Genetics and environment. The primary suspects are- pollution (air, water, soil) and a fast food diet.

Notice something strange with your Puggle dog? Does he seem to lose his appetite? Does he tend to scratch and lick certain part of his body? When you answered yes to these three questions, then probably your dog is suffering from a disease. For once in your dog’s lifetime, there is always a possibility that he may suffer one or more of the various canine diseases.