How Healthy Is Your Dog?

There are a number of things you can do to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy well into the golden years. It
starts, however, with recognizing possible negative effects on health and being realistic about age and needs.

Pinpoint Old Age in Your Dog

First, know when your dog is considered to be reaching an older age, so you can adjust her diet and activity levels accordingly. Usually, this depends on her breed and size.

Smaller dogs (less than 20 pounds) are considered "senior" at 9-13 years, while medium dogs (21-50 pounds) are
"senior" at 9-11 years and big dogs (51-90 pounds) are considered older at 7-11 years. Very large dogs might start to reach old age as young as 6 years of age.

Going to the Vet

Make sure to have your dog's wellness checks every 12 months until she reaches old age. As soon as she is considered "senior" or she starts to display signs of aging, double that and start going to the vet every 6 months.

Regular vet visits will not only ensure shots are up-to-date, but will also help to diagnose things like tooth problems, infections or loss of faculties.

Maintaining Weight

If your dog starts to gain weight, it's best to take immediate action. Obesity in a dog can ramp up quickly and lead to a number of health problems if you're not careful, including heart disease and liver problems.

Reduce feeding times, if necessary, and increase exercise, even for dogs that are older and do not want to go out as
often.

Minimize Outdoor Activities

If your dog is outdoors with no supervision, take her inside and pay closer attention. The risk of injury, illness and exposure outside is greater, and as she ages, it can be more dangerous.

Most dogs should be only allowed outside under supervision anyways, but when she reaches senior age status, never let
her out alone.

Exercise Regularly

A regular exercise routine should include at least two walks a day of at least 30 minutes each. Some breeds may require as much as two-three hours of walking a day. If you cannot supply the needed exercise, consider hiring someone to help.

Spaying and Neutering

Unaltered dogs can be more at risk of specific disease and illnesses that develop with age. It's a good idea to have your dogs spayed or neutered anyway, but to minimize health problems with age, it's a good idea to have it done after 6 months of age.

Keep Her Busy

Bored dogs can become lethargic and that can have a negative impact on their health. Activities, such as playing or toys that force her to think about solutions and ways to reach treats or dig up toys, are all good, especially as she ages.

Such activities can reduce the chances of brain degeneration, psychological problems and other health issues that tend to crop up extensively as a dog gets older.

A dog, regardless of her age, needs many things. In fact, almost none of the things listed above will change from the day you bring your dog home to the time she turns 12 years old. A dog has consistent needs throughout her life and should be cared for especially well in old age.

From the time you first get a puppy, it is a good idea to have a set diet, exercise regimen and clear idea of the supplements, vet visits and attention a dog needs. With all of these things, you can expect your furry friend to
live as long or longer than expected.

the Dutch Guy