Caring for your dog

When a dog reaches around seven years in age, he or she is considered a senior. Some people tend to let their older dogs not be as active as they once were. Giving them extra food and treats is a common occurrence. Getting older does not mean moving less, they just do not move the same way as they once did. Older dogs need to get out as often as possible, but the walks will be shorter. They may not have the same ability to hold their waste as long as they used to when younger.
Many pet food companies have food created specially for older dogs. Senior formulas must meet nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These foods may be lower in fat and calories and contain water-soluble vitamins instead of fat-soluble. These foods may contain extra ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are promoted to help joints. These dog foods should have a lower percentage of protein and more fiber to help the kidneys.
Owners need to pay close attention to their older dogs. Dogs show pain in different ways. They may get up and down slower, whimper more and seem less inclined to run and play. Arthritis is common as dogs get older. It can occur in any joint, but occurs most often in the legs and back. Veterinarians have many treatment options for arthritis. A thorough checkup at the vet's is a good option once your dog hits ages six or seven.
Around this age, most dogs starting graying around their head. Like humans, their hearing starts to fail. You may notice him jumping when coming from behind or not waking up when you call. Not much can be done for loss of hearing but dogs respond well to hand signals. As he ages, start cross training him using hand signs. He may need to be protected from dangers such as cars since he will not be able to hear them in time.
Another health concern that may affect older dogs is cataracts. Cataracts are white and opaque, causing a loss of vision. Another eye condition that will show up is a bluish or cloudy haze in the pupil. This is called lenticular sclerosis and is a normal part of aging. Their vision is not affected.
For many dog owners, it is assumed that proper nutrition is achieved through commercial dog food products. It is an easy assumption given the packaging claims of a balanced diet and the marketing ads that assure us we are giving our dogs the healthy choice they deserve. Even veterinarians seem to overwhelmingly advocate the conventional feeding of commercial dog foods. But conventional wisdom aside, the home cooking alternative is not nearly as radical as it might seem and it may, in fact, deliver the positive benefits we all want for our four-legged friends.
A home cooked diet for our dogs is actually a matter of logical thinking and thorough research. Like humans, dogs have specific nutritional needs and most of those needs are met through a well-balanced diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements generally cover any concerns over dietary deficiencies. It is important to know and understand your dog’s nutritional requirements before embarking on a home cooked diet. Since most of us are not nutritionists, we must turn to the experts. The information is readily available in dog nutrition books, the internet, or through a veterinarian that is open to holistic health management and home cooking.
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