| Dogs mature at different rates. But if your dog is age seven or older,
he's either approaching or in his senior years. And that likely means a change
in lifestyle for both of you. Older dogs go through physical changes in their
later years, just as people do. That's why it's so important that your dog receive
total health care from your veterinarian. In addition to annual vaccinations and
checkups, talk to your veterinarian about special geriatric screenings for your
dog. You can help by keeping track of any changes in the way your dog looks, acts
or feels and reporting them to your veterinarian. Aside from regular veterinary
care, proper nutrition is one of the most important things you can do to help
your dog maintain a long, happy and healthy life. Purina Senior dog food has been
developed to help meet the special nutritional needs of senior dogs. - GRAYING
MUZZLE OR COAT
An easy way to see that your dog is aging. You may
also notice other coat conditions that weren't there before. - SLOWING
DOWN, STAYING DOWN
Less active? Less jumping? Maybe limping? Tell your
veterinarian; there are innovative ways to help keep your dog moving well into
senior years. - SLEEPING MORE
Take note
if you see your dog snoozing more without a reason. - CHANGE
IN HABITS
Your dog may lose interest in playing with the family, responding
to your commands, or develop a change in eating and drinking habits. - CHANGE
IN WEIGHT
Some dogs gain weight as they age, while others lose. A
change in diet may be required. Purina* offers foods specially formulated for
the needs of older dogs. - BAD BREATH
A
telltale sign of dental problems. If you notice a change for the worse in your
dog's breath mention it to your veterinarian. - VISION
OR HEARING CHANGES
Don't accept these as the result of age; discuss
with your veterinarian. -------------------------------------------------
// ------------------------------------------------ Reprinted with permission
by Ralston Purina. |
