Keeping Your Dog Young--5 Ways to Help An Older Dog Stay Young

If you have an older dog, you want to do everything you can to keep him young and healthy forever. Here are 5 things you can do for your older dog (a young dog too) that will keep him feeling young for as long as possible.

1. Keep his body weight appropriate for his breed. Many of the portions suggested by dog food manufacturers are great for a dog that actually works on a farm, or is used for hunting. But for the regular household pet these portions, based on the amount of daily exercise your dog gets, often lead to obesity.

If your dog's weight is appropriate, you should be able to feel the ribs, and see a waistline. Maintaining your dog's weight can go a long way towards avoiding the onset of diabetes and other joint problems that can make older dogs lose their youth.

2. Exercising daily is a great way to keep both you and your dog young. If your pooch has been sedentary, start with short walks or periods of exercise, and gradually increase. Be on the look out for any signs of joint pains during activity.

If problems occur, stop and consult with your vet immediately. But probably what you'll find is that your dog will love going for a walk or retrieving the ball or Frisbee, and will remind you should you forget. In no time flat, your dog will show increased alertness, energy, and overall fitness.

3. Keep heart worms away. 100 years ago heart worms were a big issue, and now, thanks to modern technology, a pill given consistently each month of your dog's life takes this disease off the table. The important thing is to be consistent. A monthly reminder plugged into your personal computer will help you stay on track.

4. Flea medication should given once a month regardless of the climate or temperature where you live. This is another issue that even 15 years ago meant flea collars, sprays, and all kinds of invasive (and possibly unhealthy) preventatives used in the home. Applying a small vial of flea and tick medication between your dog's shoulders each month is way less invasive, and healthier for your dog, you, and the environment.

5. Filter the air in your home. You might be thinking you liked what this article had to say to this point, but now you're wondering about the sanity of the author. Here's why filtering your air will help. Your dog spends most of its time on the floor, or on horizontal surfaces (might this include your bed or sofa?).

Using a high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) air purifier will eliminate airborne dog hair and dander, household dust, dust mites (most prevalent in the bedroom), pollen (a lot of which may come in on your dog after those long walks or romps for the ball). Clearing the air can't help but improve your dog's health, and your health as well.

As it ages sometimes incontinence can become a factor. Removing the urine odor with an air purifier that has a filter designed with pet urine odor in mind is an effective way to deal with the problem.

So not only will cleaning the air improve the health of all who live in your home, but it will keep your home smelling clean all the time, and help your older dog stay young for as long as possible.


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