PET owners should ensure that their senior dog is comfortable while eating.
Most pet owners place food dishes and water bowls on the floor, but this may be a source of discomfort for a large or overweight dog, or for one whose arthritis makes it difficult or even painful to bend down.
Many pet supply outlets have eating tables specially designed with cut-outs for food and water containers and available in various heights to suit various sized dogs. Alternatively, you can fashion your own inexpensive solution to this problem, for example a plastic crate covered in a towel to absorb spills.
Senior dog food dos and dont’s
- Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on the brand of senior dog food that’s right for your dog.
- Consult with your veterinarian about increasing the level of fibre in the diet, especially if your pet suffers from frequent constipation.
- Don’t feed your dog between-meal snacks or table scraps.
The top 10 health tips for senior dogs
- Take your dog to the veterinarian for twice-yearly checkups.
- Become informed about conditions and diseases common to senior dogs, be on the lookout for symptoms and should they arise, inform your vet promptly.
- Consider feeding a senior pet diet, nutritionally appropriate for the older dog and consult your veterinarian on the treatments for arthritis.
- Consider giving two small meals a day rather than one large one.
- Don’t overfeed – obesity causes many health problems and may shorten your dog’s life.
- Ensure your dog receives adequate exercise, according to its physical capacity.
- Look after your dog’s dental health. Brush teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally when your veterinarian so advises.
- Ensure vaccinations are kept up to date.
- Do your utmost to control ticks and make sure your dog and the environment (bed, play area and so on) are always spotlessly clean.
- Give your dog lots of love and attention and do all you can to keep them interested, active, happy and comfortable.
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