As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and this can lead to communication difficulties developing.
Other problems, such as a breakdown in toilet training, can also arise, and while the effects of aging cannot be cured, regular veterinary check-ups should help to combat them for a period.
Your vet can advise you on the best way to care for your senior pet.
Making Adjustments.
The relationship between you and your dog will inevitably alter as your dog grows older.
Dogs are now living much longer than in the past, thanks to advances in both nutrition and veterinary care, with even larger dogs now reaching their teens.
Sadly, however, a gradual decline in your dog's physical health is inevitable.
? Try not to let your dog wander off too far when you are out walking: its failing senses mean that he may come across difficulty in finding his way back to you.
? One of the obvious signs of aging, especially with bigger dogs, can be joint pain and stiffness. This will restrict your dog's ability to play, but some exercise is still important to maintain the dog's level of fitness. Preventing your dog gaining weight at this stage is especially important, so as not to place undue extra strain on his skeletal frame. Encourage your dogs to chase after toys, just as he did when he was younger.
? Be prepared to lift your dog into your car, or up stairs, because a combination of failing joints and deteriorating eyesight means that a dog will be reluctant to jump up as he may have done eagerly in the past.
? Make allowances for your dog if he does not respond immediately when called: it may be that he has hearing problems.
? If the dog's eyesight starts to fail or develops cataracts, try not to move furniture from its usual position, as the dog will find this disorientating.
? Pay particular attention to the dog's teeth and gums as these can develop infections and infect other organs.
Aging Problems.
As dogs grow older, so they become more reliant on routine. This is often then consequence of failing senses, with the result that they feel more secure in familiar surroundings.
His ability to hear will decline with age, as will his eyesight. Not surprisingly, dogs find this loss of sensory input disturbing, because it leaves him feeling isolated.
These changes often result in a dog becoming disorientated, especially at night, and being reluctant to settle down to sleep. Your dog may then bark repeatedly but for no obvious reason.
Dealing with this situation is difficult: if you persist in going to see what is wrong with your dog, this pattern of behavior soon becomes habitual. Arrange a veterinary appointment for your dog, to see if any medical aid may help.
Amy Howells is the owner of a website dedicated to teaching you the short-cuts to dog training.
You can also sign up to a free e-course and discover the astonishing short-cut secrets to dog training
shuttle from O'Hare Brocton .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareKittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Can Your Dog Stomach This?There's an old adage that says... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills ..Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More
Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More
The first dog trick that is generally taught a dog... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should... Read More
No one knows your dog better than you, and as... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More
Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
Pet |