WhitneyCaring for an Old Dog
November 10th 2008 21:52
If you have a dog, whether it is a young pup or it is an aging adult dog, you'll want to consider what happens when the dog gets to the point of being classified as elderly. Yes, just like people, our pets go through the same stages of life, and it's just unfortunate our dogs do not have longer lifespans, especially since they truly do become part of the family.
Well, as a pet parent to an older dog, I have first hand experiences as to what to expect with caring for an old dog, but like people, even dogs age differently.
The first thing that you want to consider, is that older dogs need more vitamins and special diets than your averaged 4 year old dog. You want to make sure that you purchase a good vitamin supplement for your elderly dog; you also want to make sure that you purchase an elderly dog food diet so that your older dog gets the proper vitamins in his daily diet. Plus, in many cases dog food for older dogs will be smaller, softer kibble so that your dog doesn't have a hard time chewing.
With your older dog, you'll want to make sure that you pay special attention to every day activities because you will begin to notice the dog slowing down and having small changes to regular activities.
You'll want to reduce rigorous exercise, but make sure that you still exercise the dog. Make sure that you pay attention to muscle changes, changes in eyesight, change in urination and appetite, and any other abnormal behaviors.
Also, with an older dog there will be time where you may have to consider euthanasia. It can be a hard decision to make, but you may just have to decide when to put your dog to sleep. And, if this time comes, just remember that your dog isn't going to be happy if he's suffering and in pain. Your dog's ideal lifestyle is happy and pain-free, and if he's having problems getting around, then he's probably not very happy. In cases where euthanasia is the best choice, it can be a hard choice to make.
Well, as a pet parent to an older dog, I have first hand experiences as to what to expect with caring for an old dog, but like people, even dogs age differently.
The first thing that you want to consider, is that older dogs need more vitamins and special diets than your averaged 4 year old dog. You want to make sure that you purchase a good vitamin supplement for your elderly dog; you also want to make sure that you purchase an elderly dog food diet so that your older dog gets the proper vitamins in his daily diet. Plus, in many cases dog food for older dogs will be smaller, softer kibble so that your dog doesn't have a hard time chewing.
With your older dog, you'll want to make sure that you pay special attention to every day activities because you will begin to notice the dog slowing down and having small changes to regular activities.
You'll want to reduce rigorous exercise, but make sure that you still exercise the dog. Make sure that you pay attention to muscle changes, changes in eyesight, change in urination and appetite, and any other abnormal behaviors.
Also, with an older dog there will be time where you may have to consider euthanasia. It can be a hard decision to make, but you may just have to decide when to put your dog to sleep. And, if this time comes, just remember that your dog isn't going to be happy if he's suffering and in pain. Your dog's ideal lifestyle is happy and pain-free, and if he's having problems getting around, then he's probably not very happy. In cases where euthanasia is the best choice, it can be a hard choice to make.
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Comment by Carolyn Cordon
Light Within
How do You Express Your Creativity?
Food Leaf
I've so often people say, 'oh but he's still eating! 'When eating is the only thing the dog can do - can't toilet itself, or get up or lie down, walk, then it's timeto let your dog go.
Sometimes ending a life is the kindest thing in the world.
Comment by Whitney
Gaming Life
Pet Advice
Tech Stripe
Alternative Look
It's more a selfish thing that people don't want to put the dog to sleep, but the dog will be much happier in the end for most of the cases. Another reason, is that so many people do not want to "play God" so to speak and want everything to be natural, but if you think about it we put dogs in a completely unnatural condition, so why make death natural.