Help Your Older Dog To Live A Happier Life

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     This article shows you how to massage your pet and how to deal with incontinence, arthritis, and aches and pains. Dog owners will find this article helpful.

Help your older dog to live a happier life and enjoy his senior years. Changes to his lifestyle will ensure he has a better quality of life. Gentle massage will help ease his aches and pains.

Incontinence in Older Dogs
Older dogs may endure the same incontinence problems as older humans. Females of both species lose muscle tone due to declining hormone levels. In males, prostate problems can cause incontinence. If your older pet has accidents caused by incontinence, be aware he has less bladder control than a younger dog.

Herbal remedies may help your dog. For example, a mix of two herbs, uva ursi and berberis, known as barberry, may help control urinary problems.

A veterinarian can provide your dog with medication to help him overcome incontinence. If the dog does not respond well to medication, purchase incontinence pads made especially for dogs.

Ease Aches and Pains
Many older dogs suffer from arthritis. Gentle massage can help ease the pain your dog feels due to this disease. A joint supplement, such as glucosamine, will help ease your pet's suffering.

Keep your dog warm during cooler months, particularly if he suffers from arthritis. Make sure your dog has warm bedding and is protected from cold and draughts.

Raise your pet's food bowl off the ground, so he does not have to lean down to eat. Provide a frail dog with steps, so he can get out of bed easily.

Older dogs have problems with digestion. Herbs may help, if your dog is vomiting. Add 1 teaspoon of chamomile flowers to 250mls of boiling water. Cool for 10 minutes, than encourage your dog to drink the mixture.

An alternative recipe is to place slices of ginger root in boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. Remove the ginger root and add honey to the mixture. A small dog can drink about 5mls of the mixture, and a large dog up to 60mls.

Massage for Older Dogs
Give your older dog a gentle massage. Place him on a soft, firm surface. Stroke him gently from head to tail. Move your hand under his chin, between his eyes, and over his nose and head.

Gently rub your dog's ears between your thumb and your forefinger. Move your fingers in a circular motion slowly over his neck, shoulders, and chest. Move the fingers along his buttocks and thighs and down each leg. Put your thumb on one side of his spine and your index finger on the other side. Move the thumb and the index finger slowly down the spine until you reach the base of his tail. If your pet suffers from arthritis, massage round his aching joints. Finish the massage by stroking him gently from head to tail.

Your older pet will appreciate the care and attention you give him. Help him cope with incontinence, arthritis, and aches and pains. He will reward you with the love that only a dog can give.