YOUR AGING WHEATEN

 

It happens to us all, it just happens faster in dogs. As humans we can live with years with the same disease that might take a dog in several short months.

 

As we age, our muscles lose elasticity. Things don’t just seem to work as well, or as long as they once did. Don’t forget that muscles fire the machine. This means your digestion, heart, and pretty much everything inside us is powered by muscles.

 

Your heart is your most important muscle. The song, “You Gotta have Heart”, is oh so true. And what powers the heart: the valves. Part of keeping it protected is keeping your dog’s teeth clean. Bacteria from infected teeth goes directly into the blood stream and can damage valves. No valves, no pump; its that simple.

 

What adds the next biggest strain on the system? Obesity. A fat dog is not a healthy dog. If your dog is fat it is your fault. You control his expercise and his food intake. Change diets, walk around the block daily, it will do you both some good. Hidden hereditary problems also can contribute to ill health. Do your tests, it may help down the line.

 

Respiratory infections in old dogs can also be dangerous. It gets harder to fight off an illness, and if you can’t cough up secretions, pneumonia is right around the corner. More and more people are vaccinating their dogs, keep the old guys safe and away from infection sites (remember lots of dogs you don’t know will be at shows.)

 

Our digestive tract is one giant muscle, and it’s the same in dogs. Food may not be digested as well as it was in earlier years. If your dog has a heart problem he may need a low-sodium diet. Supplements may be recommended to help him absorb nutrients he isn’t getting or can’t tolerate. Be sure to have your older dog see your vet a minimum of twice a year. Your vet is your best friend when it comes to giving advice on the care and well being for your older dog.

 

A dog’s vision will slowly diminish as it ages. Senile cataracts can rob them of their sight. If you have a dog that is having trouble seeing, help them by not moving things around your home and keeping it free of hazards. Many dogs can navigate by memory and have no trouble finding their way around spots they are used to. It may not be until he is out at a friend’s or reluctant to get up and into the car that you notice there is