Belle Valentine, enjoying her Golden Years
I have received a request to provide more information on diseases and conditions common in old dogs. I have accepted the challenge! So I begin a series on geriatric care for our aging canine population and the pet parents who love and care for them.
Old dogs are the bes t!Typically by the time a dog reaches what is regarded as his senior years, usually classified as starting around 7 years but its breed and size dependent, he has earned the status of beloved family member, trusted best friend, and is sometimes even the "favorite" (but don't tell the other dogs.) With advancements in medicine and surgery, and excellent nutrition resources, today's pets are living longer lives. Unfortunately, they are living long enough now to get such things as cancer, kidney failure, arthritis, heart disease, and many more problems directly affecting the length and the quality of their golden years. Many times, we as pet parents, want to spare our beloved companion of 10, 12, even 15 years from a lot of medical tests, invasive procedures, and lengthy hospital stays.We know we wouldn't want our last weeks or months being poked with needles and popping pills. But sometimes, we give up too soon, we don't see other options. I am here to tell you that there are options. Both physical rehabilitation and adjustments to nutrition and diet can improve your pet's golden years, and in certain cases, dramatically so. Remember, old age itself is not a disease!
Every old dog, as trusted friend and family member, deserves a nice retirement that's free of pain. In this series we will explore some of the more common conditions seen in older dogs and how rehab and nutrition can be used to reduce pain, increase mobility and enhance your dog's senior years!
Old dogs are the bes t!Typically by the time a dog reaches what is regarded as his senior years, usually classified as starting around 7 years but its breed and size dependent, he has earned the status of beloved family member, trusted best friend, and is sometimes even the "favorite" (but don't tell the other dogs.) With advancements in medicine and surgery, and excellent nutrition resources, today's pets are living longer lives. Unfortunately, they are living long enough now to get such things as cancer, kidney failure, arthritis, heart disease, and many more problems directly affecting the length and the quality of their golden years. Many times, we as pet parents, want to spare our beloved companion of 10, 12, even 15 years from a lot of medical tests, invasive procedures, and lengthy hospital stays.We know we wouldn't want our last weeks or months being poked with needles and popping pills. But sometimes, we give up too soon, we don't see other options. I am here to tell you that there are options. Both physical rehabilitation and adjustments to nutrition and diet can improve your pet's golden years, and in certain cases, dramatically so. Remember, old age itself is not a disease!
Every old dog, as trusted friend and family member, deserves a nice retirement that's free of pain. In this series we will explore some of the more common conditions seen in older dogs and how rehab and nutrition can be used to reduce pain, increase mobility and enhance your dog's senior years!
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