Burgess Pet Care

Most dogs move into their senior years from about the age of seven, although large dog breeds can age more quickly and small breeds tend to age later. Like people, dogs can become friendlier or grumpier as they age and if you are re-homing an older dog you should take this into account.

• Your dog may well become more anxious if they can’t hear or see as well as they used to.
• They may feel vulnerable because they are getting slower at moving around.
• Sleep patterns can change; some dogs may be more restless at night.
• They may also be able to remember less
• Keep an eye on your dogs paws to ensure the claws don’t grow into the paw pads and that they remain in good condition.

Although it’s normal for a dog’s behaviour to alter through age, don’t forget that changes in personality can also be a sign of pain or illness. So if in doubt consult your vet.

Nutrition for Senior Dogs

Your older dog may well be prone to putting on weight because the body’s metabolism slows down with age. Keep an eye on their food intake and watch the treats! They will naturally require less exercise – however, you should never stop walks altogether.

Some other signs of aging can be:

• Joints which stiffen and become less mobile
• Muscle, bones and immune system becoming weaker
• Dry, cracked paw pads
• Skin is less elastic and the coat loses shine
• Weight loss

Your vet will be able to advise you on how best to deal with the above and to ensure that your dog is as comfortable and as healthy as possible in older age. However, a high quality food made with older dogs specifically in mind can also help to alleviate some of the above.

What to look for in a Complete food for Senior Dogs

• The protein should be high quality to help aid digestion
• Food should be higher in fibre to help weight control
• You should look at the beneficial ingredients that will assist the specific issues of old age, such as stiff joints and coat quality
• Glucosamine is excellent for helping joint mobility

Your dog can be moved from puppy food anywhere from the ages of 8 to 24 months, depending on the size and breed. A good quality dry food from the Supadog range will then ensure he receives all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed to be in tip-top healthy condition.

What to look for when buying complete adult dog food:

Complete dog foods can have varying amounts of protein in them (ranging from around 17%-40%). Your dog will need different levels of protein depending on breed, life stage and life style. For example, a very active or working dog will need a higher level of protein for muscle repair. However, a high level of protein fed to a less active dog can lead to hyperactivity and inefficient digestion. Bear this in mind when buying dog food and be careful how much to feed your dog, especially if protein levels are on the high side.

Quality of the protein is often more important than the quantity. As a guide the following sources of protein are shown in order of digestibility:

• Eggs (which must never be given raw)
• Fish
• White meat
• Red meat
• Soya

Some adult dog foods have additional beneficial natural ingredients for specific reasons. For example, fructo-oligosachride (FOS) is a unique fibre from the chicory plant. This fibre provides good bacteria in the gut, leading to a more healthy digestive system. This is especially beneficial for senior dogs or those who are under stress.