Taking Care of Aging Dogs
- Veterinarians once recommended low-protein diets for aging dogs. It has now become apparent that only poor-quality protein is harmful to senior dogs. If the protein is of good quality, aging dogs actually need more protein than young adult dogs.
Senior dogs should eat a diet containing high-quality lean animal protein such as chicken, lamb or salmon. Glutens and excessive carbohydrates should be avoided because they put undue strain on an aging digestive system. Avoid corn, wheat, soy and white rice, which are common allergens.
Ideally, an aging dog's diet will also include ingredients to support joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the two most effective oral supplements for this purpose. Green lipped mussel and sea cucumber also help to support aging joints. If the dog's primary diet doesn't include these ingredients, add a joint health supplement like Cosequin. Raw meaty bones are also an excellent source of glucosamine. - Aging dogs need more frequent preventative veterinary care than do puppies or dogs. A checkup should be performed at least two to three times annually, with blood work every 6 months. If the dog has a known health problem, he may need to make more frequent trips to the vet for careful monitoring.
Avoid unnecessary anesthesia in senior dogs. Instead of annual dental cleaning under sedation, brush the dog's teeth daily to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Any irregularities and changes in the dog's behavior should be discussed with a veterinarian. Sudden incontinence, for example, could indicate serious kidney problems. Aggression could be indicative of thyroid disease, a brain tumor or another neurological issue. Dogs can also develop something very similar to dementia. Preventive and proactive care is key to keeping senior dogs healthy. - An aging dog shouldn't be left at home to entertain herself simply because she isn't physically capable of the same athletic feats she performed in her prime. Mental stimulation is necessary to fend off deterioration as dogs age. Even dogs who are ill or arthritic and can't exercise physically can enjoy mental exercise.
If your senior dog can no longer walk to the park, try taking her there in the car, laying down a blanket on the grass and allowing her to absorb the sights, smells and sounds of a familiar location. It's also a good idea to sometimes take senior dogs to places they've never been in order to present them with new stimuli.
At home, play games that require the aging dog to use her mind. Try hiding a treat under one of three cups and letting your dog sniff it out. If the dog is still able to move at least at a slow trot, you can play hide and seek in the house. Offer a comfortable bed near a window so the dog can observe goings-on in the neighborhood.
