Having an old puppy is never easy, they might or might not require a lot of time, but they do need a good quality of life. Many old dogs have severe arthritis, are overweight, chronic dental disease, heart problems, and so on. Today, I wanted to recommend a few things that can help to keep your senior dog healthy and strong.
One of the significant problems of senior dogs is periodontal diseases. As the pet gets older, tartar gets accumulate in the teeth causing teeth loss, abscess, or infections. The best way to take care of your dog’s dental health is to get a dental exam and cleaning for your pet to remove tartar, calculus, and get a full evaluation. Dental treats and brushing their teeth are helpful in the early stages of dental diseases. I recommend giving your dog dental treats instead of regular treats. There are plenty of dental products from different brands. Ask your vet which one is the best for your dog’s needs.
Another major problem is arthritis, and it can affect the quality of life of your best friend. Do not wait to take to your dog to his/her vet as soon as you see any sign of lameness, dragging, or difficulty to stand up. Giving a joint supplement to your dog is helpful and can improve its joint mobility. But, always keep in mind that those products will be required for longer periods and they are supportive treatment. There are also so many large breeds as German Shepherds and Labradors that are prone to orthopedic problems and need more treatment.
Obesity is another concern in older pets; it affects the pet’s mobility and respiratory system. For example, pets that are overweight get fatigued easier as humans do, but they are also prone to diabetes and respiratory distress. Feeding your dog with good quality food that may be designed for its type of breed, size, or age is highly important. And do not forget to give him/her the right amount of food and avoid feeding processed foods.
Skin conditions are also common in older puppies who might or might no have a weaken strong immune system. Never miss your pet’s re-check skin appointments, make sure you test new foods for allergic reactions with food trials, if a medicated shampoo is prescribed against yeast or bacteria do not stop using it and try Omega 3 supplements that help to restore your dog’s coat by providing fatty acids and antioxidants.
