In this age of modern medicine and veterinary miracles our canine friends like their owners have benefited considerably. Average lifespan across all breeds have steadily increased throughout recent years. Aggressive veterinary vaccination programs, better foods and a higher standard of care in general have all contributed to this trend.

Medical treatments common today did not even exist a few short years ago. While none of this care is inexpensive, your dog has the potential for a long and happy life. Older dogs have different requirements for nutrition then when they were a puppy. Gaining excessive weight is one problem of the aging pooch, as activity levels often drop off as they get older.

On the market today, there exist many formulations of high quality nutritious dog foods catering to the modified dietary requirements of the aging dog. These premium specialized foods have less calories, less protein and more vitamins and minerals per serving. Enough cannot be said about maintaining your dog’s correct weight levels for the breed, as obesity always shortens life in any mammal, your favorite pet and their owner are no exception.

Just like people older dogs often begin to experience problems with their senses, sight and hearing begin to dim, and activities that once were easy start to become a challenge. It is the owner’s responsibility to monitor these inevitable changes and modify the dog’s lifestyle as much as possible to compensate. Your sensitivity to your dogs "state of mind" contributes greatly to your wards happiness and contentment.  Simple things often can make a huge difference.

Dental problems are another issue with the aging canine population, teeth wear out and can get infected, excessive bad breath can often be a sign of rotting teeth. The condition of your dog’s skin and coat are another area to monitor carefully, wounds take longer to heal as we all age and should be carefully avoided. Many older dogs begin to suffer from joint pains, and arthritic conditions in general can start to be a problem as aging continues.

 At this point there are many effective therapy's available for these and other maladies   A quality veterinarian with an affinity for your kind of pet becomes one of the most important players in assuring a happy old age for both your dog and your piece of mind. There advice if carefully followed will help keep man’s best friend at your side for many a year to come.