Enjoy moments together
Everyone ages over the years. The same goes for dogs. Dogs age at a faster pace than us, and with age their needs and tastes change. Once a frisky puppy, and now it needs less movement and more peace and quiet. A warm and comfortable dog bed becomes a place where such a retiree spends more and more time. And the feed must be adapted to the age and needs of the seniors’ body.
Dog’s life expectancy differs from dog to dog and depends on many factors such as size, breed, susceptibility to diseases or dog’s living conditions. On average, dogs live from 12 to 15 years. We should start to observe them more carefully when they reach about 7 years of age, in order not to overlook changes in behaviour, appetite, appearance or the way they walk.
The most common diseases affecting senior dogs include: arthritis, thyroid disease, heart disease, cataract, kidney or liver failure and cancer.
The older the dog, the slower his metabolism becomes. The need for movement and nutrition is also reduced. This does not mean, however, that your dog has no need for walks and should get less food, for example. It is worth taking your dog for long strolls, so that its motor system remains operational for as long as possible. Let’s give up fetching, which tends to force the dog to make sudden turns or jumps. Let’s replace it with swimming, which will improve the condition of the dog’s joints and strengthen the muscles. It is also essential to pick the right type of food. One that will satisfy the needs of a senior dog. Food for the elderly should be, above all, easily digestible, with a reduced content of easily assimilated protein and fat. The feeds that contain additional supplements, such as omega acids improving the functioning of the immune system or substances supporting joint health, will prove effective. Our Nutrilove Mature food is ideal for dogs over 7 years old and meets the aforementioned criteria. It contains 40% chicken, vitamins and minerals necessary to keep an older dog healthy. Taking into account our pet’s health and knowing what diseases affect senior dog, it is important to perform regular check-ups. Unless the dog requires it more frequently, it is worth to carry out a veterinary examination at least once every six months, including blood tests, ultrasound or cardiac ultrasound.
Let us look after our dogs so that we can enjoy our time together as long as possible. Provide your pet with the right amount of exercise, rest, healthy food and necessary medical check-ups. The dog will return the favour with love and the ever wagging tail.
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