As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and this can lead to communication difficulties developing.
Other problems, such as a breakdown in toilet training, can also arise, and while the effects of aging cannot be cured, regular veterinary check-ups should help to combat them for a period.
Your vet can advise you on the best way to care for your senior pet.
Making Adjustments.
The relationship between you and your dog will inevitably alter as your dog grows older.
Dogs are now living much longer than in the past, thanks to advances in both nutrition and veterinary care, with even larger dogs now reaching their teens.
Sadly, however, a gradual decline in your dog's physical health is inevitable.
? Try not to let your dog wander off too far when you are out walking: its failing senses mean that he may come across difficulty in finding his way back to you.
? One of the obvious signs of aging, especially with bigger dogs, can be joint pain and stiffness. This will restrict your dog's ability to play, but some exercise is still important to maintain the dog's level of fitness. Preventing your dog gaining weight at this stage is especially important, so as not to place undue extra strain on his skeletal frame. Encourage your dogs to chase after toys, just as he did when he was younger.
? Be prepared to lift your dog into your car, or up stairs, because a combination of failing joints and deteriorating eyesight means that a dog will be reluctant to jump up as he may have done eagerly in the past.
? Make allowances for your dog if he does not respond immediately when called: it may be that he has hearing problems.
? If the dog's eyesight starts to fail or develops cataracts, try not to move furniture from its usual position, as the dog will find this disorientating.
? Pay particular attention to the dog's teeth and gums as these can develop infections and infect other organs.
Aging Problems.
As dogs grow older, so they become more reliant on routine. This is often then consequence of failing senses, with the result that they feel more secure in familiar surroundings.
His ability to hear will decline with age, as will his eyesight. Not surprisingly, dogs find this loss of sensory input disturbing, because it leaves him feeling isolated.
These changes often result in a dog becoming disorientated, especially at night, and being reluctant to settle down to sleep. Your dog may then bark repeatedly but for no obvious reason.
Dealing with this situation is difficult: if you persist in going to see what is wrong with your dog, this pattern of behavior soon becomes habitual. Arrange a veterinary appointment for your dog, to see if any medical aid may help.
Amy Howells is the owner of a website dedicated to teaching you the short-cuts to dog training.
You can also sign up to a free e-course and discover the astonishing short-cut secrets to dog training
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More
Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More
This mysterious cat is originally from the country of Siam,... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
The information in this article is based on the successful... Read More
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More
Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More
Lots of folks are picky about their vet, and for... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
One of the biggest question asked of the discus breeder... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business,... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More
We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More
There are headstrong dogs that know too well that a... Read More
Once other animals such as cattle, sheep and goats became... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More
Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures... Read More
Like most dog owners, you probably take your dog with... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
Westie Grooming ? When your west highland white terrier becomes... Read More
Pet |