How to Keep an Older Dog Young

For those of us with dogs, they are an integral part of our family. We worry about how best to take care of them as they get older. There are things you can do to help them look and feel younger as they age. These will also add more fun for both of you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog toys
• High quality dog treats
• High quality dog food
• Fresh veggies, preferably organic and lightly steamed
• Good quality meat such as ground turkey, emu or chicken
• Several comfy dog pillows / dog beds
• Dog leash and harness
• Portable steps or ramp
• Lots of love

1. Exercise. It’s crucial, especially as your dog ages. A daily walk for at least 20 minutes or two shorter walks per day will help your buddy’s joints stay healthy. If your town has a dog park, take your pet there regularly. Staying socialized as your dog ages is another way to help keep him/her young.

2. Make time to play--more than you think you have time for. You may have to adapt your games to less strenuous or shorter versions as they age, but play is important. You’ll both have fun.

3. Make sure their “beds” are cushy, soft and clean. Older dogs are more susceptible to drafts. To keep them warm, try an electric thermal attachment or a simple mylar-type insert inside their cushion to help retain body heat.

4. Feed them a top quality dog food. Read the label. No fillers please. The better the food, the healthier the dog.

5. Add fresh raw meat to one of their daily meals. Cut back an equal portion of dog food for the amount of meat you’ll add so you don’t overfeed your best friend. Mix cut up fresh veggies with their other meal. Rotate what veggies you use to keep things interesting. Your dog will come running every time.

6. Give them good quality dog treats. Again, read the label. Go for less fillers and more taste. Be careful not to overdo the treats. You want your dog to stay young and that means watching their “waistline.”

7. Is your dog having trouble jumping into the car or onto the couch? It may be time to get “Doggie Steps” or a portable ramp. Both are moderately priced and will make your older dog’s life much easier.

8. Give your dog lots of love. Be silly. Laugh out loud with them. Try singing,though you may find you have a “critic” that howls if you’re off-key. It’s all just another game to them. As our dogs get older, they need us more. Take the extra few minutes each day. Giving them quality food, treats, playtime and lots of love add up to help keep your older dog young.

Tips & Warnings

• Most dogs love squeaky toys. When the “squeaky” is gone and the toy starts to have holes, it’s time for a new one.
• Have a few different toys around. Dogs like variety so give them some.
• Pay attention to the little things your dog is “telling” you. When they’re tired, don’t insist they keep playing just because you’re having fun. Cut the walk short if they start to lag behind.
• If your dog’s behavior changes suddenly, talk with your vet. Don’t ignore it as it could be a sign of something serious.

[diggitydogg]

on 5/22/2008 Great article. Thank you!

[magic1]

on 2/12/2008 Dear GlamourDomme:
Thanks for the correction. You're absolutely right. I'll try to be more careful about making generalized statements like that. And keep giving that feedback!

[GlamourDomme]

on 2/11/2008 P.S.: Otherwise, this is a great article! Good Work!

[GlamourDomme]

on 2/11/2008 There are several foods and vegetables that are TOXIC to dogs and cats. Do NOT just steam any vegetable and give it to your pet. Here is a link to toxic foods that should have been included in this article. One can find such links by using GOOGLE.

http://www.wisegeek.com/which-foods-are-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs.htm