Best Care for Geriatric Dogs

So how old is old? And is the one human year equals seven dog years classic really accurate? The truth is dogs are thought to be seniors at different ages depending on size and breed. Big breed dogs are generally considered senior at age six or 7 years while many little breeds reach senior standing in their teenage years. In most cases dogs that are 7 years or older should be given consideration for geriatric monitoring and a consultation with your veterinarian is in order.

Signs of an Old Dog

As your dog ages, there are many things you will begin to observe.
- Slowing Down
- Hearing Loss
- Clouded or Bluish Eyes
- Muscle Atrophy

Following are suggestions of more heavy problems. If you spot any of these signs you must take your dog into the vet as fast as practicable.
- Arthritic agony
- Bad Dog Breath or Bleeding Gums
- Sudden Blindness, Deafness, Head lean / staggering
- Change in Weight or Appetite
- Change in Urine Output or Thirst
- Cognitive Dysfunction
- Baldness / Itchy Skin

What are you able to do to keep your senior dog comfortable?
Keeping right up with regular veterinary visits is important during your dog's senior years. And there are loads of things you can do at home to help them be more comfortable.
- Rest is important for older dogs. Try a soft comfy orthopedic bed.
To avoid additional muscle and joint strain, try using raised food and water dishes.
- Joint supplements can help maintain healthier joints.
- Senior dogs can simply become frightened or afraid of serious noises, children, crowds or other animals. Take care to avoid exposing your senior dog to stressful scenarios. And you might need to consider employing a relaxing supplement or calming help during inescapable stressful times.
- To ease digestion problems, try changing to a holistic grain free dog food plus enzymes and probiotics.
- Sometimes older dogs are not as active, so take it easy when it comes to the time period of exercise and play.

As your dog ages it is really important to understand the effects of age on their vitality. You'll need to adjust some of your care and habits as time passes. And stay watchful for early signs of more serious problems. Most of all stay up on regular visits to your vet.