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Caring for an older dog


Caring for an older dog often leave us feeling inadequate when our loving and ever constant companion's health and behavior change. 

Older Small Dog Breeds

Ageing is inevitable from the moment of birth, and although this process is gradual, suddenly you may notice a change in your mature dogs behavior which can be alarming to a doting owner. We worry about them not wanting to go for their once loved walks, or when they can no longer jump up onto our laps, their favorite resting spot!     

Large dog breeds age earlier than small dog breeds and their live expectancy is around 10 years.  A medium sized dog breed has a life expectancy of 11 to 14 years, with small dog breeds easily exceeding 15 years. Fortunately modern veterinary medications have made huge strides so that we are able to provide quality of life for our precious adult dogs in their autumn years.

       We can slow the process of ageing
  • Annual visits to the vet for annual vaccinations which prevent illness
  • Provide the best nutrition we can afford
  • Exercise is critical in prolonging longevity
  • Good grooming and kenneling
  • Weight control and daily interaction
       Signs that your Pooch is ageing
  • general decline in activity
  • a tendency to sleep longer and more soundly
  • lack of interest in long walks
  • withdrawal from the activities in the home
  • trouble getting up after sleeping
  • hearing loss or eyesight failure
  • skin and coat becomes dry
  • fatty lumps may appear under their coat
  • bladder control accidents
  • pacing - particularly at night
       Simple Guidelines for caring for an older dog
  • Keep his walks short but regular to help his aging limbs
  • Provide a comfortable place for him to sleep
  • Keep his bed out of drafts. Most small dog breeds should sleep inside anyway.
  • Weight adds pressure to old joints, make sure he is not overweight.
  • Provide premium dog food with Omega 3 fatty acids, designed for the mature dog
  • Lift him up and down stairs or your lap.  Jumping down is not advisable for adult dogs.
  • Don't punish him for toilet errors.
  • Give him additional brushing, to stimulate oil production for his coat.
  • Regularly clean teeth, check ears and eyes.
  • Ask your vet for pain medication for dogs arthritis

Our four legged friends ask for so little in return for so much.  Looking after your mature dog will provide you with many more quality years with your constant companion.


Go from Caring for an older dog to Dog Grooming

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 Site  Map

An easy way to navigate through the information contained in this site is go to Dogs and Dog Breeds Site Map One.


Loving Care

Our little pets rely on us for their every need.
They cannot feed themselves as we have bred them to be our companions which they do admirably.  We need to care for them as we would a defenceless baby.
Dog Grooming as well as when they are older
Caring for an older dog
are part and parcel of responsible pet ownership.       



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 Breed Feature

They are all so beautiful making it  difficult to decide which one to feature!  The choice for this month is the Lhaso Apso Dog Character and Lhaso Apso Fast Facts.

 


 Lhapso Apso
For other gorgeous small dog breeds try our list of
Small Dogs if you are
hypoallergenic try our list of fluffy haired dogs for people with allergies.

Training/Behavior

Our features: Pack Behavior as well as Clicker Training For dogs are must reads for those looking at training methods for their new puppy.

Inspiration

When words fail you or you are just looking for some comfort or inspiration why don't you read some of our Pet Sayings
or for a light hearted look at our best friends look at our Funny dog sayings    


Health Articles

Our Veterinary Articles cover many Congenital Dog Health Conditions (see our chart). Kindly provided By Dr Sunelle Strydom. 

See our other common health issues.Such as an itchy dog  problem or dogs arthritis - a condition which affects most  dogs at some stage of their precious lives.