How to keep your aging pet dog healthy

Like humans, Dogs in Dubai need a little extra care as they age as well. Unlike humans, dogs cannot ask for what they need and when they need. Therefore, it's the owner's responsibility to figure it out, but this can be tricky. Hence, to make sure your dog fully enjoys their last few years in comfort and being happy, as their owners, it's important for you to be proactive with their health. To make things easier here is a look at a few things you can do to keep your aging dog happy and healthy.

Look for the warning signs - Dogs don’t start asking for senior citizen discounts at a certain age, but there are other signs that you Pets in Dubai are aging, such as developing gray facial hair, rests more often than before and starts moving very slowly. Large breeds become seniors sooner, Great Danes and German Shepard’s in Dubai are considered seniors at age seven while toy poodles and other smaller breeds, don’t reach senior status until age ten. Each breed ages differently, so make sure to talk to your vet about the changes you should make when your pet reaches old age.

Special food - One of the most important things that owners need to do with old age dogs is to change the type of food they eat. Like puppies, need special foods, mature dogs need special food too. So call over at your local Pet Store Dubai and stock up on the special food needed to keep your aging dog healthy.

Visit the vet regularly - Visit your vet regularly rather than waiting for a problem. Vets can spot problems with your pet, that you may not see and can address other issues you know your dog is having. Preventive care in aging pets will help them avoid unnecessary discomfort and is much more economical than treating problems once they flare up. The vet will know which breeds are prone to certain diseases and can look for problems, as well as give you information about the warning signs.

Assistance with mobility - Both humans and animals are accompanied by joint pain and occasional muscle stiffness, as they age. Assist your pet with ramps or steps to make climbing onto beds and other furniture easier for your aging pet. Avoid slips by placing rubber based rugs and carpets on tiled floors.

Develop a good healthy diet - Often, older dogs become less active and need a diet that will not allow them to gain a lot of weight. Some dogs lose weight as they age and need more calories. Diabetes and other issues are often managed with dietary changes and some dogs need softer or smaller food with age. Talk to your vet about possible dietary changes.

Weather protection - Aging dogs struggle with regulating their body temperatures. Keep the dog warm during winter and provide lots of water on hot days. Limit the amount of time your dog spends outside during both hot and cold temperatures.

Provide protection around the home - Older dogs don’t move or see as well as they once did, especially Pomeranians in Dubai who develops cataracts as they age and can't see very clearly. This can be very dangerous around the home and outdoors, so make sure to keep a eye on them.