The Geriatric (Older) Dog

Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according to size and breed. It is commonly held that dogs live 7 years for every year that we man does. However, this serve as only a rough guide when converting and calculating your dog's age as dogs grow up very rapidly in their early years and then slow down.

For example, a 1 year old dog is comparable to a 15 year old kid, at age 6, he is comparable to 40 years old in human terms. By 12, it is consider a geriatric dog and is equivalent to an 80 year old man.

It is generally believed that the smaller the dog breeds, the longer they live. Small breeds such as Terrier and Poodle may not slow down until 13 or 14 and could live to 17. On the other hand, larger breeds such as Great Dane and Wolfhounds rarely live pass 9 years.

Diet

A healthy diet for the older dog should be senior food that are formulated with low in fat and salt for a healthy heart, lower calories to help combat obesity since they are less active, lower protein to help the kidneys and liver, and higher fiber for the bowels to prevent constipation.

A switch to a specially formulated commercial diet for the older dog will usually perk him up. If you have no clues about your older dog's diet, you should consult your vet for advice.

Medical attention

You'll probably find that your older dog needs more medical attention than before because this is the time where age-related problems start to kick in. If possible, try to make more than just an annual visit to the vet and keep vaccinations up to date. A yearly geriatric screen, including blood and x-ray would also be useful to keep a closer eye on his health.

Patience

Patience is a key factor on your part when you deal with your beloved dog as he grows older. More often than not, he will develop age related problems such as tooth decay, periodontal diseases, vision impairment, hearing loss and also less active than before.

In any case, try to give them more time and understanding because they are not in their prime anymore. With enough love and care, older dogs can still continue their enjoyment of life well into old age.

Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels. ~ unknown dog

About the Author:
Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com ? The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog.

You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

---

So You Want To Own A Ferret?

You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More

Choosing the Right Dog Breeder

When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More

Successful Dog Training

Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs... Read More

Tips on Sexing Discus Fish

Do you have some adult discus fish and want to... Read More

Take that Junk out of your Trunk

Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More

Wormy Dogs? - Understand Dog Worms Infestation and Their Symptoms

Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More

Buying a Custom Bird Cage

Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird... Read More

Feeding Bettas

Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More

Why Build Your Own Reptile Cage?

When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More

Cat Arthritis

Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More

Weaning Puppies Is Only Natural

Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have... Read More

The Secret That Keeps Horses Trainable!

As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More

Guinea Pig History

Their scientific name is Cavia Tschuldi and their nickname in... Read More

New Puppies-The Cure For Insomnia-What You Can Do To Help You New Pupppy Adjust

Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to... Read More

Essential Oils and MRSA

Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More

Need a Low-Maintenance Pet? Try a Tarantula!

If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More

Worms in Your Dog... Gross!

Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More

My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog

So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More

Parrot Keeping

Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More

Ten Tips for Caring for Your Betta Fish

Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More

How To Load A Horse Into A Trailer - Easy As Pie!

If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More

A Dog Day Care Business Can Be A Lot of Fun!

If you love dogs and you enjoy making money then... Read More

Westie Merchandise that Benefits your Dog

There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More

Animal Ethics

IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More

Animal Deathing

What happens when we die? In our society, death is... Read More