How can I assess my dog’s health in their old age?
As we discover more about our pets, we apply better preventative health strategies in their everyday care, and good nutrition is a big part of this.
Needs vary as they age, so be sure to consciously check in with your older dog regularly, assessing their health and wellbeing with the following prompts in mind:
- Are they as alert and responsive to their surroundings as they always were? Test their sight and hearing.
- Observe activity and general comfort levels: are they still jumping fences or into the car, or avoiding boisterous dogs (and people), or perhaps sleeping more?
- Assess and keep their weight in check.
- Try to get an understanding of their muscular strength and note if it changes, and if their body condition and shape have altered.
- How is their ‘rear end' performance’? Are their stools consistent, reliable and pick-up-able?
Proactive care includes regular vet checks and ensuring your dog is being fed the right amount of a high quality, palatable food that agrees with them— and provides additional nutritional benefits.
That means selecting an appropriate diet and observing adapted feeding guides to ensure your pet is getting the best possible combination of nutrients.
