Humans go through different ages, and our companion dogs have their old age, too. So when do our dogs start to reach old age?
Dr. Lorie Huston, a veterinarian, believes it has a lot to do with the breed. In general, large dogs age faster than smaller dogs. Great Danes are considered old dogs from about 5 to 6 years of age, while Chihuahuas are still young and strong. They are not considered old dogs until about 10 to 11 years of age. The old age of large dogs is between that of large dogs and that of small dogs. Golden retrievers are considered senior dogs when they are about 8-10 years old. Also, genetics, nutrition, environment and other factors can all influence how quickly your dog ages.
* information is from petMD website
Just like humans, dogs age with physical and mental changes. They used to be able to cope with the up and down stairs, running, let in their old age also feel the struggle. If we continue to care for dogs in the same way as we did when we were adults, we will not be able to meet the health needs of our dogs in old age.
As one of our important family members, the dog should still be healthy and comfortable in the old age. Parents can refer to the following:
1. Regular physical examination
Even if the dog appears to be healthy, regular yearly physicals are necessary. Elderly dogs should be more physical examination every six months. Because many diseases are not easily detected in the early stages, physical examination can help us understand the physical condition of dogs in time and provide guidance for daily care to prevent diseases.
Tip: Preventing disease is cheaper than treating it. It is also important to KEEP an EYE on your dog's weight during a physical examination, AS overweight older dogs have a higher risk of developing diseases than other dogs their age.
2.Oral care
Most dogs have bad breath and even bad breath.
In fact, maintaining oral hygiene is an important part of caring for elderly dogs. A healthy mouth allows a dog to eat his favorite food and maintain a normal weight. Brushing your dog's teeth is simple and straightforward, even if it's often hard to do consistently. A dog-friendly long-handled toothbrush can be used, but if the dog doesn't like the bristles, a cloth can be used instead. Rubbing your dog's teeth with a toothbrush or cloth can reduce the incidence of dental stones. You can also take your dog with you to the pet hospital for regular dental care. Keep your dog's teeth clean by providing toys, teeth molars, etc.
Tip: Be patient, offer encouragement, and buy "tasty" dog toothpaste if you need it. Note: Choose toothpaste specifically for dogs.
3. Considerate diet
As dogs age, we need to take care of their diet. Dogs with heart disease need to watch their sodium intake, and those with kidney disease need a diet that helps control levels of phosphorus, calcium and other electrolytes. Reading the label and reading the ingredients can help you choose the right food for your dog. Overweight dogs also need to be carefully fed to ensure all their nutritional needs are met, as well as to help with weight loss. It's also a good idea to make some quality food.
4. Exercise regularly
Joint pain, heart disease, etc. are common in elderly dogs. Proper exercise for older dogs can help them maintain their ideal weight, healthy joints and muscles. But exercise requires adjusting the intensity and frequency of exercise to your dog's needs. A walk around the neighborhood may be just a warm-up for a large dog, but for a Chihuahua, a walk around the neighborhood may count as a "trek." If the dog is not used to exercise, we need to be patient and gradually increase the intensity of the exercise. You can also work closely with veterinary advice to tailor your dog's exercise program. In addition, avoid exercising outdoors for a long time during hot days to avoid heat stroke.
Tip: Once in a while, take a new route to exercise with your dog. New sights and smells can provide mental stimulation.
5. Happy to play
It's in dogs' nature to play, even in old age. Not only can toys help dogs pass the time of boredom, they can also channel their chewing instincts. But the state of their teeth changes in old age, and toys that are too hard for them are laboured and unsuitable.
Every dog is unique, and taking care of them requires careful observation as well as reference to the above information. They may be only a part of our life, but we are their life. Even when they are old, please don't forget the original agreement, more care for them, protect them.
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Post time: Oct-05-2022