| Aging dogs are defined as older or geriatric when they have reached
the last 25 percent of their expected life span, which is directly related to
size or breed, as well as the care received during a lifetime: - Small
breed dogs greater than 12 years of age
- Medium breed dogs greater than
10 years of age
- Large breed dogs greater than 9 years of age
- Giant
breed dogs greater than 7 years of age
Some signs of aging are described
as: - changes in body weight
- difficulty in locomotion (movement)
- changes
in hearing and/or eyesight
- changes in skin and/or haircoat
- changes
in urine or bowel habits
- bad breath associated with teeth or mouth problems
Studies
have shown that healthy older dogs utilize protein in a manner similar to the
young adult dog, and that geriatric dogs may need about 50 percent more protein
than younger adult dogs. However, current commercial diets formulated for adult
dogs at maintenance generally provide adequate protein. Less active animals may
have reduced energy requirements, and caution should be used when feeding energy
dense diets to avoid the risk of excessive weight gain. -------------------------------------------------
// ------------------------------------------------ Reprinted with permission
by Ralston Purina Canada | 
