Helping Senior Pets Live Long and Strong

Pets are living longer now than ever before, thanks to improved veterinary care and dietary habits.
As with humans, advancing age in pets can bring on age-related conditions affecting health.
Many diseases and health issues, when caught early, can be treated.

Some of the ailments that can affect Senior Dogs are:

Arthritis
Dental Disease
Kidney / Urinary Tract Disease
Liver Disease
Hearing and Vision Loss
Obesity
Diabetes
Joint or Bone Disease
Heart Disease
Cancer

Senior Pets require increased special attention, including more frequent visits to the vet, and possible changes in diet. As your pets age, here are some considerations for keeping them happy and healthy that should start at about Age 7:

Make Semi-Annual Veterinary Visits
Increased frequency of visits along with more in depth exams, including dental care, bloodwork, XRays, and specific assessments of physical signs of disease.
Feed a Nutritious Diet
Transition to foods that are more easily digested, with different calorie levels and anti-aging nutrients. Senior Dog Food is higher in fiber and lower in calories and fat, and is formulated for a slower metabolism.
Exercise!
Dogs may slow down, but they still need exercise to keep them healthy physically and mentally. Try low impact activity, like walking on soft surfaces such as grass and, where possible, swimming.

Practice Good Dental Care
Regular dental care is especially important for Senior Dogs. Tartar build up can lead to gingivitis, which can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and negatively affect internal organs. Look for changes in eating habits that can signal mouth pain. Try regular brushing at home and provide chew toys that are beneficial to teeth and gums, and schedule professional cleanings as recommended by a veterinarian.
Keep Weight In Check
Weight gain or loss in older dogs and cats increases risk of health problems. Extra pounds on an older pet means more stress on its aging body, especially on joints and internal organs.
Weight loss can indicate underlying disease.
Maintain a vet-recommended exercise and diet plan, and replace large meals with a few smaller ones.
Adapting Environments
As pets age, they may need adjustments to their living areas, such as not climbing stairs and spending more time indoors. Keep a watchful eye on challenges that weren’t there before.