Aging dogs are uncannily similar to aging people. Dogs can show signs of dementia, vision loss, arthritis and have difficulty regulating their temperatures, among other things. Senior dogs are very susceptible to dehydration and should not be left outside for a long period of time in the heat.
The best thing you can do for your aging pet is visit your veterinarian regularly and get educated yourself. There is a vast array of information available from your veterinarian, in book form, and online. Chances are your senior dog has been with you for around a decade, so you probably know them very well. Keep alert, pay attention to the signs we wrote about in our last blog, and your dog should be able to age gracefully.
Here are a few links to websites that offer products for your aging pet. We are not linked with these sites in any way, but they are a good resource for items you may need.
http://www.seniorpetproducts.com/
http://www.dogquality.com/
http://www.ruffrollin.com/products-pricing/for-your-aging-dog/
Please share your tips on how you deal with or have dealt with an aging pet. The more information that is shared, the better. Don’t forget to stay in contact with your veterinarian!