Friday, April 6, 2018

We Are Old Dogs Now!

When Bud turned 10  I had a dog party of course but I never thought about his diet because he is doing great on the best dog food from Costco. I have given him extra liquid salmon oil, Chondorotin Glucosamine with MSM ever since he was one year old. When feeding a senor dog the main objective is to maintain heath and weight to slow down the development of chronic diseases|that may already be present. When dog age health issues arise including skin and coat, loss of muscle mass, obesity more frequent gastrointestinal disease and dental problems. Older dogs should not have too much protein. Older dogs need supplemented in their diet omega-6 fatty acid. This is produced in the liver but levels may be diminished in older dogs. Senior dog food helps to keep a healthy coat and skin. 
FOS helps maintain growth of beneficial bacteria. Look for foods with antioxidants such vitamin E and Beta-Carotene; these help maintain a health immune system. With a senior dog it is very important to avoid stressful situations. Vet checks are important because age-related issues should be watched carefully. Do not let your senior dog get fat. This will shorten their lives. Some breed are more prone for obesity such as Labrador Retrievers and Pugs. Your dog should have a waist and you  should should be able to feel their ribs and backbone. Talk to your vet about a good food for him and how much to feed him not what the bag of dog food says. Your job is not to feed him too many treats.  I recommend you get your dog plenty of exercise, they will love you for it. I say a tired dog is a good dog. Watch your dogs like you should watch your own.weight, because dogs should never get fat. Like humans it shortens their life. Bud has arthritis in his right rear knee for blowing the knee out when he was six years old. Recently, I noticed that Bud was stiff after laying down on the cement by the Cal Poly pool. Even though I bring a soft padded rug for him. Labs can be in pain and not show it. Every time I notice him stiff or limping I gave him a Tramadol. A non narcotic pain reliever, but didn't help for inflammation for arthritics.
The Vet told me that he needed more for his pain and she put him on a medicine called Carofen 75 mg twice a day. Oh my God the difference is amazing!! It's a wonder drug. Bud acts like he did when was a young dog. I am so grateful for the benefits to Bud. I can't say how much I love watching him move with ease and not hesitate when he uses the doggy door or jump out of the car. We see the Vet in two more months for blood work then he can hopefully stay on it forever.