By SHARON McMAHON
Be Well
“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished.” – Dean Koontz
Some of you may recognize the author of the quote above. Dean Koontz is also the author of many science fiction-related books, but he is also a dog owner and writes his dogs into many of his stories. In fact, I sent him a copy of my book, Sweetie’s Scars: A Journey of Hurt, Hope, and Healing, and he sent back to me a wonderful letter and autographed copy of his delightful book, Ask Anna – Advice for the Furry and Forlorn, written by his dog, Anna, in her senior years!
My column this week will focus on health and nutrition for senior dogs. Some of you may recall that my dog Sweetie actually wrote a couple of columns for me addressing this topic before she passed at age 16. And please note that this column does not in any way supersede your veterinarian’s advice regarding your dog. I will share with you my experience with senior dogs and other important information as well as the references for that information.
Older dogs are already more at risk for developing kidney and heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and various forms of cancer. The immune system also weakens with age, leaving older dogs at a higher risk of infection and slowed healing. For some, there is a genetic breed link that predisposes them to disease. To combat, or to at least mitigate the effects of these conditions, there are diets that have been specially formulated for special needs pets. If you aren’t already doing so, you should ensure that your pet has a nutritious diet. Try to feed him a high-quality, grain-free, balanced dog food – an important part of helping your pet to maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise can also keep your senior pet moving as long as your veterinarian approves.
Keeping your dog at an ideal weight can help to reduce the risk of many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even skin problems. Keep in mind, though, that while many older dogs are at a higher risk of obesity, some senior dogs may actually need more calories in their diet. They’ll also need high-quality protein, as well as foods that are easy to digest. Look for a senior dog food that has at least 25 percent protein and moderate fat. You may also want to consider fortifying your dog’s diet with DHA and EPA fatty acids; these could help a dog who has mobility issues caused by arthritis or a joint disease.1
For example, older dogs with kidney disease are fed highly digestible proteins; those with heart disease are fed diets that are lower in sodium content. Animals that have developed problems with brain function may benefit from the addition of certain antioxidants to their daily diets; and cancer patients often benefit from the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, along with additional antioxidants in their diets. Please, no table scraps! Brushing your dog’s teeth might sound silly, but keeping their teeth in good shape is an excellent preventative measure that will help to keep them healthy. Tarter build-up can lead to gingivitis, which can cause bacteria to get into the bloodstream – wreaking havoc on your dog’s organs. Consider having your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned; and be sure to stock up on teeth cleaning toys and treats!
And remember, just as our own dietary needs and activity levels change as we age, our beloved furry friends’ needs also change and require your attention. Our pets “live in the moment” – something we can all aspire to do from time to time. And, sadly, sometimes it is time for them to say goodbye, and it is our duty to work with our veterinarian to make sure that time is as peaceful as possible for them and for us. If you have recently experienced that or you just wish to learn more about my own experience with my dog Sweetie, you may order Sweetie’s Scars: A Journey of Hurt, Hope, and Healing through Amazon. All royalties I receive are donated to the Humane Society for Hamilton County. And, please, choose shelter adoption or rescue if you are considering a new family member.
1 Top Dog Foundation, Oct. 30, 2017
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.