care of old one

Question
My old English Bulldog is 11, AGE span is 8 years.
i am doctering her for her lungs are filling, she is stiff, but eats and appears happy, just slower.
How can I keep her happy and keep going to the end.  What would be best to feed her now, her teeth have come out alot of them not all.

Answer
Hi Jeanne,

I'm very sorry to hear that your dog is ailing, I can understand how important it is to see that your dog is comfortable in her golden years.

Exercise is profoundly tied to a dog's physical, mental, and emotional health. A sedentary dog is a bored dog, often an overweight dog, and, in general, a less-than-optimally-healthy dog. In older dogs, obesity is the most common condition that vets see, and lack of exercise is a critical component of it.
Adjust the type and duration of the exercise what your dog can do. Even a single short slow daily walk will do your dog a world of good (weather permitting). It will help with her lungs.

You can keep your dog happy by being there for your dog, and showing her all the love and attention. Begin a daily grooming session. It has more to do with an aging dog's need for physical contact and attention, than looking good. It is also an opportunity for you and your dog to experience the kind of closeness and physical contact that is reassuring and satisfying and that contributes to the dog's overall sense of well-being -- which, in turn, stimulates good health. It's also a good chance to gently massage your dog's sore joints.

Although pet food manufacturers advertise special "light" diets or protein-reduced foods for older dogs, there is actually no proven benefit from these special diets, and, in some cases, there may be some harm. The most important thing is that the food consist of a good proportion of high-quality protein (meat, not "by products"). Read the dog food labels, and compare. Many of the premium dog foods will provide sound nutrition for your dog. Feed your dog the best quality food you can afford (and that she'll eat), don't over feed your dog. Canned food is fine, and more often than not dogs prefer canned to dry.

Make sure your dog has a warm firm bed to sleep on. There are orthopedic beds are available for old, arthritic and ill dogs. Some dogs enjoy laying on a heating pad, though you should never let your dog have a heating pad if you will not be there to monitor her.

I hope I've been a help. Best of luck!

Patti