As owners of a senior dog, we have continued questions about his health as he gets on in years:

   * Will our dog develop cataracts and could he possibly go blind?
   * Will our dog's hearing be affected to the point of deafness?
   * Are there ways to help the joint and muscle aches our dog feels caused by arthritis?

We have found information on choosing the right dog bed, dog ramps and stairs to help ease Tikki's arthritis pain. We looked for special dog foods, vitamins and supplements to help meet our older dog's nutrition needs.

We discovered information on the importance of our dog's dental health and tips on how to adapt to our dog's hearing and eyesight changes. Old Dog Paws is a place dedicated to the care and comfort of senior pet health so your old friend can enjoy wonderful, active senior years too.

Older dogs can experience many changes in the functions of their bodies. Some dogs may have more pronounced changes than others, and in some dogs, the changes may start to occur at a younger age. Knowing what changes to expect can help you and your dog adjust to them when and if they do come. There are many ways we can help the older dog adapt to these changes.

You will need to monitor your older dog more closely. Do not disregard a change in your dog's activity or behavior as 'just being old age.' Many of the changes can also be signs of a more serious disease.


If you are in doubt, consult your veterinarian and be sure to discuss with her/him any concerns you have about your older dog during his regular physical exam.

A parasite is regarded as an organism that derives nourishment by feeding on or within another animal. The most noted parasites in dogs and cats are 'worms' and that is because the majority of all puppies and kittens acquire intestinal worms either prior to or shortly after birth.

Worms are only part of the parasite picture, however, as many non-worm parasites exist as well. Common parasites include fleas, flies, ticks, lice, and mites as well as worms and other intestinal parasites.

All parasites of concern can result in damage to an animal's health. Similarly, some can be transferred from the dog or cat to other household animals including humans. No dog or cat that is parasitized is considered healthy.