Health Care For Your Older Dogs

Hope this entry of health care for your older dogs will not make you go away, because in the end we all will have to face our greatest fear that is to lose our beloved friend to the better place, and by friend i mean dog even though i think its not necessary but i thought ill mention it for not-yet dog lover audience.


Old age comes at different times for different breeds of dogs and different individual dogs. In general smaller breeds have a higher life expectancy than larger breeds. A strong, healthy dog will probably age later. Evidence also suggests that dogs that are spayed or neutered before six months of age ordinarily live longer than dogs that are kept intact.


Regular checkups are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and checkups, talk to your veterinarian about special geriatric screenings for your dog.
As your dog ages there are changes that you need to be aware of so that you can adapt their lifestyle to make their lives as happy and healthy as possible.

Weight
Metabolism slows down in the older dog. This means the dog requires less food to meet their lowered energy requirements. As a dog gets older they may also be less enthusiastic for pyhsical activities. Both of these factors can lead to weight gain in the older dog. It is very important to keep your dogs weight under control, as heart conditions, joint pain, and diabetes can all be influenced by obesity. You may need to alter the amount or type of food you are giving to your dog. There are some types of food specially formulated for the older dog. Discuss your dog’s feeding program with your local vet to be sure your dog is getting the proper nutrition for their age and activity level.


Arthritis
The most common reason older pets do not “get around” like they used to is arthritis. The wear and tear on joint surfaces restricts movement and causes discomfort and pain. A number of other anti-arthritic medications are available from your local vet. Dogs with arthritis still need exercise, this should be modified to your dog’s ability.


Eye Sight
The most obvious sign of ageing in a dog is often seen in their eyes. The cloudy appearance in the centre of the eye which used to be dark in colour is due to a cataract. Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens begins to dehydrate and reflects light back from the eye instead of trapping the light and focusing it on the retina.There are many categories and causes of cataracts. Treatment for cataracts is surgical removal and may be done in one or both eyes depending on the specifics of each patient.


Glaucoma, an increase in pressure within the eye, can have serious consequences. Glaucoma can be controlled. Glaucoma is caused by a decrease in the amount of fluid that flows out of the eye. This is a serious disease and without proper treatment it can result in blindness. Glaucoma is one of the most frequent causes of blindness in adult dogs. The treatment chosen (i.e. surgery and/or medical therapy) will be influenced by what the goal of therapy is: to stop pain in a blind eye or to preserve vision. Medical treatment consists of a number of different drugs used in combination. Some are given by mouth and effect the whole body, while others are put directly into the eye and have a local effect. The drugs that work when the problem is first diagnosed may not work forever. Therefore, the intraocular pressure needs to be monitored on a regular basis so that the medication regimen can be altered to fit the needs of the patient. Unfortunately glaucoma cannot be cured, only controlled. When medical treatment fails, surgical therapy can help prolong vision.


Be sure to have your vet give a close look at your pet’s eyes especially after they reach 8 years of age.


Healthy Teeth and Gums
Routine dental care by your veterinarian is very important since older dogs are more prone to gum disease and tartar buildup on their teeth. Diseased teeth and gums can have serious consequences for your pet. In addition to regular visits with a professional, it’s always a good idea for you to check your dog’s teeth and gums regularly.


Kidney and Liver Function

Both functions decrease as your animal ages. Regular check-ups mean these conditions will be treated with medication and appropriate diet. Signs of possible liver or kidney disease could be vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive drinking and urination, and confusion.


Healthy Skin and Fur

The skin seems to lose its elasticity and becomes thinner as your dog ages. The skin is also more susceptible to infection in older pets, especially beneath those fur mats that form if grooming is lacking. Just like humans turn grey with age, more gray hairs appear as your dog ages. If the quality of your dog’s coat changes dramatically, consult your vet. Frequent brushing of the older pet is very important, plus they like the special attention.


With your special loving care and commitment, your dog can enjoy a quality life during these senior years.


Euthaniasia

Inevitably there will be a time when you have to cope with the decision to euthanize your well loved pet. Remember that if your pet is suffering, euthanasia is a final act of caring and love. You will meet again at Rainbow Bridge.


This is where i dont wanna stop actually, but it just sad enough to know that well have to part ways with our beloved dog thats always been there for us in happiness and sad... so just to remind you one last time, read out this health care for your older dogs carefully so that maybe, hopefully they could stay a little bit longer with us ^_^

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Dog Skin And Coat Care

All dogs have a fur coat – it may be thin, thick long, short, straight or curly – and if you own a dog, you better think your dogs skin and coat care are as important as other aspect, because it might put you through trouble if you dont, believe me you should really start taking it seriously if you dont already. you probably know the troubles that come along with taking care of their fur. Most dogs suffer from skin problems and dull coats from time to time. If your dog has not, count yourself lucky.


There’s more to your dog’s skin and coat than you may know. Dogs cannot sweat like humans; however, their hair follicles open up to release heat and close to conserve heat.  In many cases if your dog is not physically well, you will be able to see it in their skin and fur. If your dog’s skin changes colors, it could also be an indication that they are getting sick. Likewise, if their coat looks noticeably dull or their hair starts to fall out, there is a good chance something may be wrong.

It’s recommended to check your pet’s skin regularly. Look for bumps, rashes, scabs, flakes and foul odors, as these are indications your pet is having skin problems. Lastly, check for fleas! If left unchecked, fleas can cause your dog intense discomfort. Look for little black specks. Also, the dust from flea waste will turn red when water is applied, so make sure to check thoroughly. If left unchecked, skin problems can lead to more serious issues, so make sure to take care of your dog’s skin and coat.

Use these simple tips to make grooming more enjoyable for you and your pet.

Getting Started-

It’s best to groom your pet when they are calm; this will make everything go much smoother. If your dog is new to grooming, keep the sessions as short as possible, and gradually increase the length over time.  Lastly, make sure you reward them once the grooming is over.

Brushing-

Brushing your dog’s hair is very important in keeping them healthy and clean. It helps remove dirt and spread natural oils, which will make their hair look better and help prevent skin irritation. For short- haired dogs, it’s recommend to brush them at least once a week and for long-haired dogs, daily brushing is recommended to prevent knotting and matting. If your dog is uncomfortable with brushing, gradually introduce the brush beforehand, letting them smell it and get used to the brush.

Bathing-

According to the ASPCA you should bathe your dog at least every 3 months. Use a shampoo made for dogs; this will help prevent skin irritation. Like brushing your dog, he or she may not like getting a bath, so introduce them to the sound of running water before you put him in.

Keeping your dog’s skin and coat clean will not only make them feel and smell better, it will help them stay healthy in the long run. Regular skin and coat maintenance is crucial to dog owners. Do it regularly   and if you notice anything wrong it is advised to see a vet immediately.


As you keep on letting it pass, the problem you face with your dogs skin or coat might become a real pain in the **s, so really take your dogs skin and coat care seriously ok?

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