Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according to size and breed. It is commonly held that dogs live 7 years for every year that we man does. However, this serve as only a rough guide when converting and calculating your dog's age as dogs grow up very rapidly in their early years and then slow down.
For example, a 1 year old dog is comparable to a 15 year old kid, at age 6, he is comparable to 40 years old in human terms. By 12, it is consider a geriatric dog and is equivalent to an 80 year old man.
It is generally believed that the smaller the dog breeds, the longer they live. Small breeds such as Terrier and Poodle may not slow down until 13 or 14 and could live to 17. On the other hand, larger breeds such as Great Dane and Wolfhounds rarely live pass 9 years.
Diet
A healthy diet for the older dog should be senior food that are formulated with low in fat and salt for a healthy heart, lower calories to help combat obesity since they are less active, lower protein to help the kidneys and liver, and higher fiber for the bowels to prevent constipation.
A switch to a specially formulated commercial diet for the older dog will usually perk him up. If you have no clues about your older dog's diet, you should consult your vet for advice.
Medical attention
You'll probably find that your older dog needs more medical attention than before because this is the time where age-related problems start to kick in. If possible, try to make more than just an annual visit to the vet and keep vaccinations up to date. A yearly geriatric screen, including blood and x-ray would also be useful to keep a closer eye on his health.
Patience
Patience is a key factor on your part when you deal with your beloved dog as he grows older. More often than not, he will develop age related problems such as tooth decay, periodontal diseases, vision impairment, hearing loss and also less active than before.
In any case, try to give them more time and understanding because they are not in their prime anymore. With enough love and care, older dogs can still continue their enjoyment of life well into old age.
Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels. ~ unknown dog
About the Author:
Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of dogsobediencetraining.com ? The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog.
You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.
monthly home cleaning Buffalo Grove ..If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More
Which is the noisiest species of all? Nope, not the... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
If you're contemplating the idea of starting a home-based business... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets... Read More
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More
The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More
My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
scheduled maid service Mundelein ..Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet.... Read More
So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More
The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on... Read More
Should you seriously consider buying a dog health insurance policy?... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More
Could a horse trainer, born about 154 years ago, teach... Read More
One of the benefits of registering your pet with a... Read More
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require... Read More
Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
Pet |