Precautions for caring for elderly dogs: Diet

The gastrointestinal tract of elderly dogs usually has the characteristics of slow peristalsis, insufficient gastric motility, and a reduction in the number of normal intestinal flora. Therefore, elderly dogs often suffer from constipation, Constipation and indigestion. Many serious metabolic diseases, such as fatty liver, kidney failure, diabetes, etc., are caused by problems in the digestive tract.
Therefore, elderly dogs should try to choose foods that are easy to digest, low in calories, contain refined protein, and are rich in vitamins. Ease of digestion will reduce the time it takes for the gastrointestinal tract to decompose food, making up for the lack of slow gastrointestinal motility; low calories can reduce obesity; refined protein can reduce the burden of liver decomposition of protein during digestion; elderly dogs also need more vitamins and trace elements.
Older dogs cannot change food types frequently, otherwise it will cause digestive disorders. When replacement is required, the principle of gradualness must be adopted. The feeding frequency does not need to be changed, but the feeding quantity needs to be adjusted to prevent the dog from becoming overweight. At the same time, elderly dogs should also drink enough water, as most of them are in varying degrees of dehydration. Moderate exercise and abdominal massage can effectively control weight, promote gastrointestinal motility, and aid digestion.

Precautions for caring for elderly dogs: cardiopulmonary care

As dogs age, they will develop slow breathing, decreased heart function, tracheal collapse (such as Pomeranians), heart hypertrophy and valve problems. question. Some are congenital breed defects, while most are the result of normal aging. Dogs with these problems will obviously have reduced endurance, fatigue easily, and are inactive. Due to the decline in heart function, blood circulation problems throughout the body may occur, which may in turn affect other organs, such as cardiogenic nephropathy.
The main thing to pay attention to in the care of cardiopulmonary function is to reduce unnecessary stimulation. Elderly dogs are already very fragile. If they are placed in a noisy place and are in a state of tension all day long, it is easy for them to Inducing or aggravating cardiopulmonary disease. Older dogs should also pay attention to keeping warm, avoiding the stimulation of overcold or overheating, and staying away from dust and other allergens, which may cause respiratory problems of varying degrees.

Precautions for caring for elderly dogs: Hair care

Compared with the prime of life, the skin of dogs in this period will become thinner and drier, with sparse hair, irregular hair loss, dull fur, and skin surface Different forms of pigmentation and skin tumors occur. The dog's skin becomes more sensitive, more prone to allergies, and defects in the skin structure lead to the proliferation of microorganisms that are usually present on the body surface and cause infection.
The ear canal is an extension of the skin. Due to the presence of cerumen glands, the ear canal will be filled with oil. This oily secretion will increase significantly in older dogs, leading to ear canal hyperplasia and hearing loss. Anal glands often become blocked at this time, leading to multiple perianal fistulas.
When choosing a bath liquid for elderly dogs, try to choose one with low irritation. Regularly deworm the body surface, comb the hair frequently, and spend more time in the sun. Eat less foods high in fat and more foods rich in vitamins. For the ear canal and anusPortal glands should be checked frequently and cleaned regularly.

Precautions for caring for elderly dogs: Proper exercise

One of the characteristics of aging dogs is the decline in exercise ability. Muscle atrophy, insufficient synovial fluid secretion, and declining heart function lead to slow movement, reduced flexibility, and susceptibility to fractures in older dogs. These problems can be aggravated if obesity and nutritional imbalances are also present.
Older dogs must ensure an appropriate amount of activity every day as long as their bodies can bear it to reduce the occurrence of obesity and muscle atrophy. Elderly dogs also need calcium supplements and necessary trace elements. Avoid lying in cold places, otherwise it will easily cause rheumatism and joint disease.