November has been designated as a time to celebrate our senior dogs with Senior Pet Month. The ASPCA has embraced this month to focus on adopting senior pets. This leads to certain questions about our dogs and age. What is a senior pet? How old is my dog?
Most know our dogs age seven times faster than we do. This means that most dogs reach adulthood by age two and middle age by four. By age seven, most dogs are entering their senior years! Dogs age rapidly and there are factors, such as the size of your dog which affect the aging process.
What is your dog’s age?
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Health Care Tips for Senior Dogs
As our dogs age, health problems start to progress more quickly. Some common illnesses associated with dogs as they age are osteoarthritis, periodontal disease, diabetes and cancer. Here are action items you can do to help your dog age as gracefully as you are:
- Schedule senior well-checks with your veterinarian.
Just like humans, as dogs age, they have more health problems. It is much easier to be proactive and work ahead, then to wait for something to happen. Consult your veterinarian to discuss what you should be aware of for your dog. Most recommend seeing your veterinarian twice a year.
- Keep track of your dog’s weight.
Your dog’s weight has a bigger impact on their health as they age. Dramatic changes in weight, either gaining or losing, can be an early indicator of illness.
- Start a mobility supplement such as Glyde™ Mobility Chews.
When you were 20, you were able to jump higher and run faster. Now at age 40, not as much. Your dog feels the same way. These are normal signs of aging. We would all agree we do not want our dogs to be in pain just because they are getting older. Glyde Mobility Chews has all-natural ingredients to combat the signs of arthritis and promote better joint health in all ages of dogs.
- Continue playing with your dog.
If you see less interest in playing, and more interest in sleeping, take the initiative to change this pattern. Take your dog on a walk, play tug-of-war or fetch to keep your dog acting like the puppy they once were.
The fact is our dogs are beautiful, fulfilling, wonderful additions to our family. The only problem: they don’t live nearly long enough. This is not something to simply accept. Instead, let’s do our part to have them living their best lives they can while they are here with us.
Learn more about how to care for senior dogs here.
