TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PET HEALTHY
1. Know When Your Pet is "Old."
The time when your dog is considered a "senior" depends
largely on his or her breed and size. According to Dr. Johnny Hoskins
in Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat, small breed dogs
(less than 20 pounds) are in their senior years around nine to 13 years
of age. Medium sized dogs (21 to 50 pounds) around nine to 11.5 years;
large breed dogs (51 to 90 pounds) around 7.5 to 10.5 years and giant
dogs (more than 90 pounds) between six and nine years. In general,
smaller breed dogs live longer.
2. Wellness Exams.
When your pet is considered a senior, you should bring your dog for
regular geriatric examinations. These examinations help identify early
diseases or problems in older pets. Exams should include a history and
physical examination with evaluation of the teeth, listening to the
heart and lungs (by stethoscope), abdominal palpation (feeling of the
abdomen) and inspection of your dog's ear and eyes. Weight monitoring,
parasite check (fecal examination) and blood work and urine tests are
also often recommended. Other tests may be indicated depending on your
pet's symptoms.
3. Watch for Illness.
Careful observation at home is extremely important. By nature
of survival, dogs are very good at hiding their illness until it is too
late. Take time to examine your pet. Feel him or her for masses and
indications of weight loss or loss of musculature. Things to watch for
include changes in water consumption or patterns of urination, poor
appetite, weight loss or gain, coughing or difficulty breathing,
changes in activity level, vomiting, diarrhea and skin lumps or masses.
If you have questions or concerns about your pet, play it safe and have
him or her evaluated by your veterinarian. Early diagnosis is vital to
the success of treatment.
4. Weight Control.
Obese dogs have shorter life spans than non-obese dogs. Obesity may
lead to a number of health problems. Excess weight puts excess stress
on your dog's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other
organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over
time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening
conditions.
5. Keep Close Tabs.
In general, "outdoor" free roaming dogs have shorter lives
than indoor animals. Infectious diseases, poisonings and trauma are
common killers. Senior dogs have decreased reflexes and may not see and
hear as well as they used to. This makes them vulnerable to outside
dangers such as predators or cars. Keep dogs on leashes or in fenced-in
yards.
6. Monitor Your
Environment.
Keep poisons up and out of your dog's reach. Common toxins include
antifreeze, rat poison and slug bait. Keep trash out of reach. Don't
count on your pet to "know better." It doesn't take a large amount of a
dangerous substance to make your dog seriously ill.
7. Nutrition.
Feed your pet a premium high quality diet supplements. Feed
low fat and high fiber foods since high fat and/or low fiber foods are
thought to decrease life expectancy. Minimize treats and make them
nutritious and low in calories. Air-popped popcorn is often a good
treat for dogs. With your veterinarian, you should discuss the merits
of a diet formulation for your senior dog.
8. Exercise.
Exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight, strengthens
joints and muscles and provides mental stimulation for your
dog.
9. Spay and Neuter.
Spayed and neutered dogs tend to have fewer health problems.
Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs,
ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract
are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before
puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer
than unspayed dogs, or dogs spayed later in life. Health problems that
can be associated with birthing are also eliminated with spaying.
Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs,
testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate
problems is reduced. In addition, the desire to "wander" is diminished,
which lowers the chance of your dog running away and suffering trauma,
such as being hit by a car.
10. Mental Stimulation.
Provide your pet with toys, games and quality time. Most pets
are never too old to play. Encourage mental stimulation. It is never
too late to teach old dogs new tricks.
Follow these top 10 tips, and you'll keep your dog forever young.
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