Aging Gracefully

As your dog grows older, more things are necessary in order to keep them healthy. They may not be as quick or flexible as they were in their puppy years and you usually want to try to keep them young for as long as possible. Preventative care is extremely important in the life of your pet. Be sure to take them to the vet for regular check up’s and keep them current on all shots. If their age doesn’t allow them to easily get in and out of the car, using a car ramp such as the PetSTEP II HalfSTEP Ramp will make it a breeze for your pet to travel in your car.

Another form of preventative care is to make sure your dog is living a healthy lifestyle. Exercising daily is key, even if it is just a short walk. If your pet doesn’t move around and exercise daily, they will gain weight and also become stiff. Even if you don’t have time for a walk, just ten minutes of throwing a ball around the backyard will help them burn calories and stay active.

Other important ways to prevent aging include brushing their teeth regularly to prevent gum disease, grooming them to keep the skin and coat healthy and to discover problems such as dry skin or sore spots, and also check their ears for odor or gunk, which may be a sign of an infection.

As the years go by, your pet will start to get stiffer in the joints. There are several supplements to help maintain flexibility. One such product is the Pet Joint Ensure Plus. It contains MSM, which maintains flexibility and elasticity of connective tissue in the joints. Another great product that your pet will love is the Healthy Baker Glucosamine Biscuits. These help to combat the debilitating effects of arthritis and joint disease. Your dog will think they are getting a special treat and you won’t have to shove pills down their throats.

An aging dog doesn’t have to be hard to take care of. Taking preventative measures will surely help your pet lead a longer and happier life.