Adopting pets is common, but senior dogs tend to go overlooked. One of the reasons for this is that the vast majority of people tend to be focused on puppies and younger dogs alike. This doesn't mean that seniors should be overlooked, as they can be loving and charming in their own ways. For pet owners that would like to adopt a dog that's in its golden years, here are 4 things that you should know ahead of time.
One of the most important things that senior dog owners should know is that many of these animals have illnesses. According to companies like Assisi Animal Health, the most common conditions include arthritis and vision impairment. This doesn't even begin to detail the potential onset of cancer. Whatever the case may be, prior to taking your dog home, you should ask your veterinarian about the illnesses in question.
What about physical exams, which are especially important for dogs as they become older? As their immune systems weaken over the course of time, dogs need medical attention even more. This could be in the form of simple check-ups, but there are other animals that require more extensive help. Whatever situation your dog falls into, setting up regular appointments with your veterinarian is vital.
Next, be mindful of how much physical activity your senior dog receives. While it's important to be active, regardless of age, there is such a thing as going overboard in this respect. What this means is that your dog should be given consistent walks, either around on the block or just up and down the street. Not only is this one of the easier methods of exercise, but your dog's underlying health problems would be aggravated.
Finally, it's in your senior dog's best interests for their diet to be changed. To be more specific, it should include more nutrients, which your veterinarian will be able to go over with you. For example, if your dog has arthritis, foods with fatty acids may be recommended. Fatty acids have been known to soothe aching muscles and joints, after all. This is just one of many ways that your dog's diet can be changed so that it helps them more in their older age.
One of the most important things that senior dog owners should know is that many of these animals have illnesses. According to companies like Assisi Animal Health, the most common conditions include arthritis and vision impairment. This doesn't even begin to detail the potential onset of cancer. Whatever the case may be, prior to taking your dog home, you should ask your veterinarian about the illnesses in question.
What about physical exams, which are especially important for dogs as they become older? As their immune systems weaken over the course of time, dogs need medical attention even more. This could be in the form of simple check-ups, but there are other animals that require more extensive help. Whatever situation your dog falls into, setting up regular appointments with your veterinarian is vital.
Next, be mindful of how much physical activity your senior dog receives. While it's important to be active, regardless of age, there is such a thing as going overboard in this respect. What this means is that your dog should be given consistent walks, either around on the block or just up and down the street. Not only is this one of the easier methods of exercise, but your dog's underlying health problems would be aggravated.
Finally, it's in your senior dog's best interests for their diet to be changed. To be more specific, it should include more nutrients, which your veterinarian will be able to go over with you. For example, if your dog has arthritis, foods with fatty acids may be recommended. Fatty acids have been known to soothe aching muscles and joints, after all. This is just one of many ways that your dog's diet can be changed so that it helps them more in their older age.
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