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.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
Many people feel that taking the time to train their... Read More
A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
There are many ways in which you can prepare for,... Read More
Our pets depend on us for their every need, including... Read More
Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should... Read More
"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More
It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact,... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More
Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More
Bark CollarsMany pet owners become lost as to what to... Read More
Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
You need a strategy for using or disposing of your... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
Pet |