Old Dog Care
As owners of a old dog, we had questions about his health as he got on in years:
- Will our old dog develop cataracts and could he possibly go blind?
- Will our old dog's hearing be affected to the point of deafness?
- Are there ways to help the joint and muscle aches our old dog feels caused by arthritis?
We have information on choosing the right orthopedic dog bed, dog ramps and stairs and products to help ease arthritis pain. We looked for special dog foods, vitamins and supplements to help meet our old dog's nutrition needs.
Dog Beds for Old Dogs
Dogs can sleep in the strangest places and positions. But did you ever
think that the way your dog sleeps could give you a hint as to the type of
bed he prefers?
Your older dog will benefit from a mattress that is therapeutic and
heated for optimal comfort.
Read about the benefits of an orthopedic bed
for your older dog.
Dog Bowls and Feeders
A raised dog feeder helps reduce or eliminate the need for dogs to
position there head downward during feeding resulting in your dog
swallowing less air.
Great option for older dogs suffering from arthritis pain.
Read about the benefits of an elevated feeding
bowls for your old dog.
Dog Ramps for Old Dogs
When our dogs get older and lose some of their agility, it is no
reason to leave them home.
Dog Ramps and stairs are available to help navigate steep inclines
and high resting spots such as the front seat of a vehicle or next
to you on the couch.
Read about the many different dog ramps
available to assist your older dog.
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Importance of Dental Care for Older Dogs
Most dogs will suffer from some degree of periodontal disease
With proper dental care and food, the degree of the affliction can be
limited.
Even older dogs can be trained to accept having their teeth brushed.
Learn how to care for your older dog's dental needs.
Ear Care
Ear problems are relatively common in dogs, especially during the summer months and in breeds with floppy ears.
Ear infections can easily become chronic in nature, so proper therapy
early in the course of the disease is important, along with long term
commitment to keeping the ears clean.
Read about ear care for dogs.
Eye Car
You should always pay attention and look for signs of discharge, squinting, cloudiness, irritation, redness, or swelling.
Catching possible eye problems before they become severe will help prevent future vision problems in your pet.
Read more about eye care for dogs.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleabites may be merely a nuisance to some pets, but to others, they can be dangerous.
- They can cause flea allergy dermatitis--an allergic reaction to
proteins in flea saliva.
- A pet's constant scratching to rid itself of fleas can cause
permanent hair loss and other skin problems.
- A pet can get a tapeworm if it eats a flea that has one.
- Learn more about flea control for dogs.
The threat of disease is always present where ticks are concerned, and these risks should always be taken seriously.
- Most tick-borne diseases will take several hours to transmit to a
host
- Sooner a tick is located and removed, the lower the risk of
disease.
- Learn more about ticks and your dog.
Pet Massage
Regular massage aids in early detection of abnormalities, such as swelling, injury or painful areas, and facilitates early medical diagnosis of problems.
In some cases the time element can be life-saving. The animal's
general overall health is boosted by an increase in blood and lymph
circulation and enhancement of muscle tone and flexibility.
Learn how to give your old dog a massage!.
Arthritis in Old Dogs
Arthritis in dogs is one of the leading causes of chronic pain for our furry friends.
- The most common signs of pain associated with arthritis in dogs
include stiffness, limping or favoring a limb - (particularly after
sleep or resting), inability to rise, and reluctance to jump, climb
stairs, or even go for a walk.
- Extra weight puts a lot more stress on damaged joints.
- Maintaining proper body condition is vital for dogs with arthritis.
Even a few pounds can make a difference.
- Learn how to relieve arthritis pain in your old dog.
Pet Skin Care
There are many basic signs that indicate that a dog is suffering from skin disease.
These include scratching hair loss, pigment changes, visible lumps, inflammation, scurfy, dry scales and crusts, and wet erosions and ulcers.
Learn more about skin care for dogs.
Old Dog Safety
Making our dog's visible in the dark and on a controlled leash will help provide them some extra protection to remain safe.
Not only will the car safety products protect your dog, but they also keep the rest of your passengers safer.
Learn how to keep your old dog safe.
Nutrition for Older Dogs
With regular veterinary visits, daily care and proper nutrition, your old dog can still experience a happy, healthy life.
Holistic Veterinary Medicine
Often referred to as alternative medicine and includes medical specialties such as
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Homeopathy
Learn how an older dog can benefit from some of these less "conventional," but increasingly more common areas of veterinary medicine.
Read more about holistic medical options for old dogs: