Furry Facts – Put comfort on the menu for your senior dog

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

1. Take your dog to the veterinarian for twice-yearly checkups.
2. Become informed about conditions and diseases common to senior dogs, be on the lookout for symptoms and should they arise, inform your vet promptly.
3. Consider feeding a senior pet diet, nutritionally appropriate for the older dog and consult your veterinarian on the treatments for arthritis.
4. Consider giving two small meals a day rather than one large one.
5. Don’t overfeed – obesity causes many health problems and may shorten your dog’s life.
6. Ensure your dog receives adequate exercise, according to its physical capacity.
7. Look after your dog’s dental health. Brush teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally when your veterinarian so advises.
8. Ensure vaccinations are kept up to date.
9. Do your utmost to control ticks and make sure your dog and the environment (bed, play area and so on) are always spotlessly clean.
10. Give your dog lots of love and attention and do all you can to keep them interested, active, happy and comfortable.