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Special Nutritional Needs of Senior Pets
As dogs age, changes occur in the way their bodies function, so it makes sense that what they eat also might need to change. The following list of health issues might be more common in aging pets.
- Decreased immune-system function
- More frequent intestinal problems
- Decreased mobility
- Dental issues
Special Nutrition for Special Needs
Decreased Immune System Function
Throughout a dogâs life, a process called peroxidation occurs. Peroxidation is a normal process that the body uses to destroy cells that outlive their usefulness and to kill germs, parasites, etc. This process, however, also can destroy or damage healthy cells. As your dog ages, the damage caused by peroxidation accumulates, which, in turn, increases the risk of certain problems, such as infections.
Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that help maintain overall health by neutralizing the peroxidation process of cellular molecules. Some antioxidants, such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lutein, are naturally occurring nutrients.
Recent research sponsored by The IAMS⢠Company found that dogs fed a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, lutein, or beta-carotene had improved immune responses and vaccine recognition. This might be especially important in senior dog care; IAMS research has found that as dogs age, immune responses can decrease.
More Frequent Intestinal Problems
Older dogs might have higher numbers of unfavorable bacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria in their intestines, which can result in clinical signs of gastrointestinal problems (e.g., diarrhea).
Feeding a diet containing fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a unique fiber source that helps nutritionally maintain healthy intestinal bacterial populations, promotes growth of beneficial bacteria. Beet pulp, a moderably fermentable fiber source, also helps maintain intestinal health by providing energy for the cells lining the intestine and promoting small, firm stools.
Signs That Your Dog Needs Senior Food
Different dogs show signs of aging at different times, and much of this variation is associated with size. Larger dogs generally appear "old" sooner than smaller dogs. The table below lists the age at which various groups of dogs should be transitioned to senior foods, such as IAMS⢠ProActive Health⢠Senior Plus.
Dog Weight and Transition to Senior Food
Weight Range | Age to Begin Transition |
---|---|
More than 90 lbs | 5 years |
51 to 90 lbs | 6 years |
21 to 50 lbs | 7 years |
Up to 20 lbs | 7 years |
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- adp_description_block396Could Your Dog Escape Your Yard? Hereâs How to Secure It
For some dogs, a simple fence isnât enough to keep them in the yard. Maybe youâve got a little escape artist thatâs too smart for their own good. Maybe youâre raising a brave explorer who loves to get lost. Or maybe youâve been unlucky enough to have your dog stolen from their own backyard. Creating a safe and secure space to keep your pet can be a challenge, but weâre here to help. Understanding the common reasons dogs get out and what you can do to prevent it from happening goes a long way toward keeping your furry friend safe.
Why Does Your Dog Want to Escape?
Securing your yard starts with understanding the impulses that drive your dog to see whatâs beyond your property. Spaying or neutering is an important first step in curbing a dogâs desire to roam, but there may be other factors at play. Creating a safe yard for a lonely Labrador in search of a friend is an entirely different exercise than securing a burrow-happy beagle on the hunt for a squirrel. Weâd recommend trying to learn as much as you can about your dogâs breed and underlying instincts. The most common reasons dogs try to escape are:
- Feeling socially isolated
- Lack of stimulation (think toys)
- Desire to escape something that scares them, like thunder
Countering these behaviors starts with understanding which one is at the heart of your dogâs desire to break free. Once youâve got a theory of whatâs motivating your pup, itâs time to give your safety measures a second look.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Secure in Your Yard
Microchip Your Dog and Scan Their Nose
If your dog is committed to getting out, your most useful tool will be the ability to track and locate them wherever theyâre found. There are a huge variety of products and services designed to help you keep your dog safe, but the most important thing you can have is a plan. Youâve most likely heard of GPS tracking chips that can be implanted in your pet, but you may not know that you can also scan their nose. Through a new app called NOSEiD, you can capture your dogâs unique nose print, which will give whoever finds them a faster, simpler way of reuniting the two of you. Itâs that easy! Just download the app, call your pup over and start scanning.
The Best Defense Is a Good ⌠Fence
Even though theyâre not technologically impressive, a sturdy wooden or metal fence still plays an important part in protecting your dog while theyâre in your yard. Not only does it keep your dog from wandering, it also keeps unwanted animals and people away from your dogâs space. If your dog can leap over it, youâll obviously need to raise the height, or you can add an overhang that makes it harder to clear. You might also consider planting some shrubs along the inside of the fence to discourage jumping. If your dog is burrowing beneath your fence, consider adding a barrier beneath it or putting a bumper collar on them, which makes it harder to squeeze into small spaces.
If you have a particularly territorial dog, you may want to cover any open spots in your fence that your dog might spy adversaries through. A solid fence may help them feel safe and diminish their need to patrol their surroundings.
When it comes to electric fences, using one successfully depends on your dogâs personality. If your dog has recently been ignoring the electric fence, you may want to consider retraining them or investing in a physical barrier.
Make âYardâ Mean âYay!â
Making your yard a dog-friendly and entertaining space is a huge part of keeping your dog safe at home. With enough toys, space to burn energy and ideally a friend to play with, your dog wonât have any reason to see if the grass is greener elsewhere. A few popular dog-pleasers you may want to provide are:
- A bit of shelter or shade
- A source of water
- A rotating lineup of toys
- Their favorite playmate (you)
Use Your Yard Wisely
Last, but not least, if you leave your dog unattended for a long period of time in your yard, thereâs a good chance they will get bored and look for a way to burn off some energy. To prevent them from getting mischievous, limit the amount of time theyâre out on their own, and check in frequently. Also, for dogs with separation anxiety or that may be afraid of loud noises, your presence will help keep them calm and close to home.
With your dog chipped or their nose scanned, youâll always have an option in the event that your dog strikes out on their own. Beyond that, understand what makes your dog unique and check your yardâs safety features regularly for holes or weak points. As usual, a little preparation now can save you a ton of time and energy in the long run.
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