When someone asks why humans need puppies, one answer is unanimously agreed upon by many owners: because humans need hugs, a pair of clean eyes that only hold themselves, and some warm sincerity. However, the pace of growth of dogs is much faster than that of humans. Generally speaking, dogs will enter the old age around the age of 7.
Many physical functions of dogs in the old age are not as good as before, so daily maintenance requires more attention from the dog owner.Elderly dogs are susceptible to diseases:
1. Oral infection (dental calculus/periodontitis)
2. Gastrointestinal motility diseases due to reduced digestion and absorption capacity
3. Degenerative diseases (kidney failure, heart failure, diabetes, arthritis, cognitive impairment, pancreatitis)
4. High blood pressure
5. Combined with neoplastic diseases (cancer)
In addition to preventing diseases specific to elderly dogs, early detection and early treatment, we have also summarized some precautions for daily maintenance. We hope that owners with elderly dogs can pay more attention to them every day.
Precautions for daily maintenance of elderly dogs:1. The peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract of older dogs slows down, and the ability to absorb fat and protein weakens. The diet needs to be adjusted accordingly. The diet adjustment should be gradual and completed within 4-7 days to avoid diarrhea.
2. Annual physical examination can help to screen for diseases in advance and intervene. It is recommended to pay attention to the kidneys, heart, teeth, eyes and joints.
3. Elderly dogs often experience reduced activity, heart failure can reduce activity, arthritis can lead to reduced activity, and cognitive deficits can limit activity. If you have heart disease, you should reduce sodium (salt) intake to lower blood pressure and supplement L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10.
4. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) can delay the degeneration of joint cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are cartilage components. Supplementing these components can improve arthritis. Foods such as New Zealand green-lipped mussels also contain these components.
5. Brain decline, like the decline of all organs, is caused by oxidative reactions, resulting in cell (neuron cell) mutation and death. In order to delay aging, you can add appropriate amounts of antioxidants (such as vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols, β-carotene, selenium, etc.) to your diet, and you can also supplement tryptophan and caseinase
6. As pets age and their mobility decreases, the living environment should be changed to facilitate their entry and exit, reduce climbing stairs, jumping activities, reduce the speed and intensity of exercise while ensuring a certain amount of activity. The owner should play with it for 20-20 days a day. 30 minutes.
7. Regular deworming (due to the safety of deworming drugs, it is recommended to always deworm pets)
8. Get vaccinated to prevent known risks (need to weigh the side effects of vaccination, such as stress, heart disease, epilepsy, etc.)9. Feed senior dogs food that is suitable for their age, highly palatable, and rich in antioxidants, which can help control weight and improve kidney and gastrointestinal functions.
10. Daily combing is also an important way to detect abnormalities, such as nodules, perianal uncleanliness, ear canal and oral odor and other common diseases in elderly dogs.
After reading this, have you learned it? Some people say that every relationship in the world is counting down. We cannot fight against time.
All we can do is take good care of them as much as possible, hoping that they will stay with us longer.