Taking Care of a Senior Dog

A senior dog (usually one over 7 years old) requires some adjustments for its care.  A senior dog needs foods which are specially formulated for an older dog; such foods may contain glucosamine for arthritis and joint pain and may be slightly higher in calories to help the older dog maintain a comfortable weight.  A senior dog still needs play and exercise time, although it’s likely that the play will be less vigorous than it used to be.  A daily walk is perhaps the best exercise for a senior dog since its low-impact and helps protect weak and deteriorating joints.  Finally, a senior dog needs something more than a cold hard floor or even a rug to sleep on.  There are a number of orthopedic dog beds available.  These beds are usually about 6 inches thick with egg-crate foam to cushion old joints.  Feed your senior dog well, give him some daily activity, and give him a comfy place to sleep; all of these will keep your dog happier for the rest of its life.