The Wellness Center has two charts designed to organize your exploration of health topics. On this page, the "Ten Health Tips" chart summarizes the ten most important areas to address, along with links to additional reading and resources. To see the second chart, click here: "Aging Issues."
Here's an overview of the top ten ways to keep your senior dog in the best possible health. Click on the button in each box for more details on each topic.
Ten Ways to Keep a Senior Dog Healthy | Find a great VETERINARIAN -- one who is caring, competent, compassionate, and willing to fully address your questions and concerns. Book a wellness visit twice a year. | Attend to DENTAL HEALTH. Try to brush teeth daily. Have them cleaned by a veteri- narian under anesthesia whenever recommended. Cleaning without anesthesia is ineffective and can be dangerous. |
Feed THE BEST FOOD you can afford. Cheap foods have poor quality protein sources and questionable fillers. Ask your veterinarian and do research on wet, dry, freeze-fried, raw, or even home-prepared food. Watch for product recalls (very common!) | Keep your dog at a HEALTHY WEIGHT. Compare your dog's profile to the illustration above. Take measures (e.g., diet, exercise) to achieve ideal weight. | EXERCISE -- BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL -- are needed DAILY, to control weight. maintain mobility, and provide mental stimulation; adjust for age and environmental conditions. |
DAILY GROOMING is really good for older dogs....it's great for bonding and for finding fleas, ticks, lumps, bumps, and swellings. Places where your dog spends time (beds, etc.) need to be kept clean and tidy, too, to control for parasites and germs. | Learn about VACCINATIONS and MEDICATIONS recommended for your dog. Read labels, follow instructions, and request info on negative side effects. If any occur, report to your veterinarian promptly. | DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS and ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES may help your dog. Glucosamine chondroitin can work for arthritis. Acupunture can be effective, too. Ask your regular veterinarian or consult a holistic veterinarian. |
TAKE MEASURES AT HOME AND OUTSIDE to address aging challenges: e.g., orthopedic bed for aching joints, mats and rugs to prevent slipping, secure/assistive harness and leash, warm coat. | Become familiar with SIGNS OF AGING and age-related health problems and bring them to your veterinarian's attention promptly. | Explore the website for much more information on senior dogs and their care: |
Remember to go to the chart on Aging Issues for coverage of additional important topics.