Dogs mature and age at much
different rates, usually according to size and breed. It is
commonly held that dogs live 7 years for every year that people
do. However, this serves as only a rough guide when converting
and calculating your dog’s age as dogs grow up very rapidly in
their early years and then slow down.
For example, a 1 year old dog is comparable to a 15 year old kid,
at age 6, he is comparable to 40 years old in human terms. By 12,
it is considered a geriatric dog and is equivalent to an 80 year old
human.
It is generally believed that the smaller the dog breed, the
longer they live. Small breeds such as Terriers and Poodles may not
slow down until 13 or 14 and could live to 17. On the other hand,
larger breeds such as Great Dane and Wolfhounds rarely live past 9
years.
Diet
A healthy diet for the older dog should be senior foods that are
formulated and low in fat and salt for a healthy heart, lower
calories to help combat obesity since they are less active, lower
protein to help the kidneys and liver, and higher fiber for the
bowels to prevent constipation.
A switch to a specially formulated commercial diet for the older
dog will usually perk him up. If you have no clues about your
older dog’s diet, you should consult your vet for advice.
Medical attention
You’ll probably find that your older dog needs more medical
attention than before because this is the time where age-related
problems start to kick in. If possible, try to make more than just
an annual visit to the vet and keep vaccinations up to date. A
yearly geriatric screen, including blood and x-rays are also
useful to keep a closer eye on health.
Patience
Patience is a key factor on your part when you deal with your
beloved dog as he grows older. More often than not, he will
develop age related problems such as tooth decay, periodontal
diseases, vision impairment, hearing loss and also less active
than before.
In any case, try to give them more time and understanding because
they are not in their prime anymore. With enough love and care,
older dogs can still continue their enjoyment of life well into
old age.
Helping Older Dogs Stay Healthy!