Diet tips for an older dog
When your puppy grows up into a strong adult dog, it is hard to imagine him ever being at a stage in his life where you will see him starting to struggle with the simple every day tasks, such as walking. However, dogs do get old; it’s a sad fact of life and something that dog owners have to come to terms with.
A pet diet for a senior dog has to change. He requires a pet diet full of extra vitamins that will give him a chance to be more flexible, while improving and lengthening his quality of life. Humans, as they reach their mature time in life, start to slow up mentally. It is the same with a mature dog, mental slowdown and some bodily dysfunctions can occur very suddenly.
Old age can bring a bout a change in a dog’s main organs, such as his liver and kidneys; this would be noticeable by the dog suddenly losing weight
There are things you can do however, here are some top tips for owners of a maturing dog:
- Change his food; choose a brand that specialises in pet food for a senior dog, one that will have ingredients that are also easy to swallow.
- Allow your pet to eat as much as he can, a dog with a good appetite is a good sign.
- Talk to your local vet, take his advice about the array of extra supplements available for your dog, vitamin C and vitamin E comes to mind.
- Provide clean drinking water day and night.
- Watch for signs that your dog is suffering from constipation.
- Give your canine friend some bits of fruit and fish to help his joints stay flexible.
A senior dog may take a little longer to move a round but he still requires daily exercise, as much as he can manage. Playing with him, using squeaky toys and other favourite exercises in the house or in the garden will help to keep his mind, and body, stimulated.
