posted 05-17-2003 08:53 PM         

So what differs in preventative care for a senior dog compared to a younger one?

First off clean teeth are essential to overall good pet health.Bacteria from the teeth can effect the heart and also the kidneys.Keeping your older dogs teeth clean is also good for the immune system.You can keep your pets teeth clean and healthy by giving them hard bones or toys to chew on which help remove tartar from the teeth, or you can brush your pets teeth everyday too insure that bacteria is kept at a minimum.

Exercise is another key to keeping your older dog in good condition, although keep in mind that some older dogs can not participate in heavy activity. It is best that you stick to daily walks and runs and keep the exercise to a moderate roar. Keep in mind your dog will tell when it has had enough by sitiing or laying down.

Exercise will also help to keep your dog from becoming overweight. Obesity in older dogs works the same way as it does on humans. The extra weight can effect blood pressure and the heart causing a dog to have a heart attack or stroke. Keep in mind that the less weight on the dogs bones means that the dog can function more easily and have more energy as well.

One thing most of us do not think about with our pets is accident prevention. Dogs are very susceptible to accidents as they grow older and the results of an accident can be devastating. Watch out for slippery throw rugs. The dog can be moving along easily and not running when he walks over the rug and slips causing a bone to break.Older dogs are very prone to broken bones and this can also cripple a dog easily.Also as a dog becomes older the dog can loose its' balance easliy causing a fall.The dogs walking ability slows and it is not as easy for the dog to get around anymore so by placing rugs down that have extra traction backing on them will help immensely with the dogs ability to walk and maintain balance.

Just as we humans get aches and pains so does your dog. Try to massage your dog as much as possible to help with any arthritic pains.To massage your dog is not only good for the dog but also good for you. It has been proven that when we pet an animal our blood pressure and stress levels decrease. The key for your older pet is to remember that an elderly dog is no different than an elderly human.

As long as you make sure that your pet has regualr check-ups and follows the instructions of th vet, your dog can live to be a happy and healthy golden ager dog.