Ways to Keep Your Aging Dog Comfy

When you notice your dog aging and changing, do not try to do every single thing for him. Let him set his own limits for as long as he can.

For instance, if your dog is stiff in the morning, let him walk it out. Do not crowd him with treats and beg him to go outside. When he is ready, he will slowly walk to go outdoors to do his business. Although you should pay some attention so you notice when he is ready to go outdoors as you do not want an accident in your house.

As dog’s age they want a softer and more comfortable place to lie down. Make sure you have a spot just for your dog. You may have a dog bed or a dog pillow for your aging dog to relax and sleep on. If your dog sleeps in a dog crate make sure you give him a dog pillow or some type of blanket or pad.

Make sure your dog has protection from fleas and ticks. Check your dog more often as well for fleas and ticks since they are unable to fight off diseases as they once could. While brushing your dog’s coat you can easily check for fleas and ticks. You will also be helping your dog’s coat by stimulating natural oils.

Talk to your vet about reducing calories in your older dog’s diet. The last thing you want is an overweight dog. Being overweight will put unnecessary strain on your dog’s joints. Some vet’s suggest vegetables such as baby carrots and celery as well as fruit, dog biscuits and non buttered/unsalted popcorn.

If your aging dog is suddenly awakened by a toddler or child do not scold him for nipping. Your dog is sleeping more soundly, probably doesn’t feel as well as he once did and cannot help it. Keep young children away from your sleeping dog whenever possible.

You may want to ask your vet if your beloved dog can take aspirin or some type of medication for stiff joints or digestive problems.

Your dog deserves the respect and compassion as he ages. Treat him well by forgiving him when he has accidents as he wants to prevent them from happening as much as you do. If you have a new rug in your living room or other area, you may want to put up a baby gate so you do not have to worry that your dog will stain your rug by accident. This will help to keep the both of you happy.

The main purpose of Doggie-Corral.com is to provide dog owners with an entire line of dog supplies needed to care for their beloved pets. We ship to the entire United States and provide a one stop shopping experience. We offer dog-training aids, dog insurance, health care essentials, dog apparel (e.g. dog shirts, Dog Pro sports apparel, dog boots, dog coats, dog College Sports apparel, dog blankets, dog sweaters, dog pajamas),dog beds, plastic and wood doghouses, dog crates and kennels, dog toys, dog chews, dog treats, dog and puppy foods, dog grooming products and more. Feel free to check us out at Doggie-Corral.com.

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Signs of an Aging Dog

There are a few signs of aging that you will notice in your beloved dog. The first few signs of aging include a decrease in activity level, your dog sleeping longer and more soundly, not being as excited to go for a walk, loss of interest in games of catch and lastly not caring as much on what is going on around the inside of your home.

Remember how your young dog would want to be in the center of all the happenings in the home. You may have tripped over him or her when you were trying to cook a meal. Now you do not notice him around as much.

Another sign of an aging dog includes the temperature and comfort. Your dog will choose to lie on the rug versus the tile floor. He does not care to sit on your deck or backyard in the extreme heat or the frigid winter temperatures anymore. Your dog also gets up more slowly and you will notice that his legs seem more stiff from time to time.

Your dogs skin and coat will change as he ages. You will notice fatty tumors or other lumps which in many cases are not cancerous and his wounds will heal more slowly.

You may notice that your dog does not seem to hear as well as he once did. You are most likely correct. Your dog’s eyesight is also not as good as it once was.

Your dog’s kidneys will not be as strong as they once were. You may notice more accidents around the house. Your dog is not being naughty, he just cannot hold it as long and may need to go outside more frequently. If it seems as if your dog is leaking urine please take him to the vet for a check up as soon as possible.

The main purpose of Doggie-Corral.com is to provide dog owners with an entire line of dog supplies needed to care for their beloved pets. We ship to the entire United States and provide a one stop shopping experience. We offer dog-training aids, dog insurance, health care essentials, dog apparel (e.g. dog shirts, Dog Pro sports apparel, dog boots, dog coats, dog College Sports apparel, dog blankets, dog sweaters, dog pajamas),dog beds, plastic and wood doghouses, dog crates and kennels, dog toys, dog chews, dog treats, dog and puppy foods, dog grooming products and more. Feel free to check us out at Doggie-Corral.com.

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Your Aging Dog

Even though your dog may be considered a canine senior citizen, you wouldn't necessarily know it to look at him. It isn’t like they all begin to gray, or even slow down for that matter. Depending on the breed, dogs begin to experience what we refer to as the golden years anywhere from 5 to 9 years of age. Smaller breeds tend to live up to 14 years or more, whereas some of the larger breeds often don't live beyond 8 or 9 years and begin to slow noticeably around the age of 5.

When dogs begin to age, their metabolism begins to slow and your dog tends to store fat. You may want to check with your vet about changing their diet to a higher fiber, fat and calorie reduced senior dog food. Make sure that your senior dog’s exercise routine doesn’t slide. You may have to slow down your pace on your daily walks or shorten them, but don’t just stop them totally because your dog is aging. Stopping exercise is far worse for their health

To help your dog where arthritic joints are causing problems, spend a little time each morning with them gently massaging their joints. Softer bedding and vet-approved vitamins might also soothe creaky joints. Other things that you can do to help your senior dog enjoy its golden years just a little bit better are to provide them with steps if they have privilege to lie on the couch to make the transition easier than jumping up. Purchase elevated food dishes to help meet your dog rather than your dog having to meet the dishes to reduce neck pain.

The main purpose of Doggie-Corral.com is to provide dog owners with an entire line of dog supplies needed to care for their beloved pets. We ship to the entire United States and provide a one stop shopping experience. We offer dog-training aids, dog insurance, health care essentials, dog apparel (e.g. dog shirts, Dog Pro sports apparel, dog boots, dog coats, dog College Sports apparel, dog blankets, dog sweaters, dog pajamas),dog beds, plastic and wood doghouses, dog crates and kennels, dog toys, dog chews, dog treats, dog and puppy foods, dog grooming products and more. Feel free to check us out at Doggie-Corral.com.

We would also love to have you connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
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