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The changes your dog goes through as he ages are natural and are, in fact, very similar to those same changes we humans go through. For instance, with aging, an older dog's activity level slows. Without mental stimulation to keep him sharp, an aging dog may become slow and lethargic, and his appetite may change.  Older dog care is different from when he was a puppy. Older dogs may begin to have "accidents" in the house (urine or feces) with little or no warning, and for no known medical reason. An older dog's sleep cycle changes, too, and he may begin to sleep more during the day and less at night.  As your dog ages, expect his interaction with you (and other family members) to begin to diminish -- he'll greet you less enthusiastically (or not at all); he'll follow you less (if at all); and he'll rarely seek your attention.

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Your dog's mobility becomes reduced as he ages, and he might begin to become more agressive. Don't be surprised if your older dog appears confused or disoriented. Some older dogs actually exhibit signs very similar to human Alzheimer's, and suffer short term memory loss, changes in behavior, and just a general slow down in their thought process. So, what can you do to help your older dog? One good place to start is your dog's diet and his feeding dish. Elevating your dog's feeding area can help reduce the stress on his neck and aid with digestion. This is especially important as dogs age and lose muscle strength.

Cholodin Chewable Dietary Supplement Tablets 50ct Dietary supplement designed for geriatric pets that show the symptoms of aging. Cholodin may help senior pets with confusion and behavior problems, such as hiding and avoiding humans, or forgetting potty training habits.Contains Choline, Amino Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals.

Check with your vet and make changes to your older dog's diet according to his medical needs. Keep his weight down, too. Small, more frequent meals are best. An overweight dog has trouble with mobility, and this is only complicated with age. Brush your dog frequently to help stimulate his circulation. Be sure your dog is still getting exercise, but adjust your walking schedule to more frequent, shorter walks. And be sure to take him out and allow him to do his business after each meal, just before bedtime, and first thing in the morning to reduce accidents.

1-800-PetMeds Super Joint Enhancer 120 Ct DOUBLE STRENGTH!! CHEWABLE!!! MSM TOO!!! 1-800-PetMeds Super Joint Enhancer is a natural daily dietary supplement to ease joint pain and improve joint function. Active ingredients 400 mg chondroitin, 500 mg glucosamine, 100 mg MSM, and 5 mg manganese improve flexibility and mobility as a part of the joint rebuilding formula. Joint Enhancer comes in a bone shaped pork liver flavor tablet dogs love.

Another way you can assist your aging dog is by getting him a ramp. Ramps and stairs help reduce the strain and pain of going up and down stairs, and getting in and out of vehicles. (Our dogs' loss of mobility shouldn't stop us from taking them with us -- they still love to go "bye-bye"!) If a ramp or stairs seem too bulky, you might want to look into purchasing a mobility harness. This nifty little device is really affordable, and allows you to maneuver larger dogs without lifting the entire weight of the dog. Mobility harnesses are perfect for dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia or old age.

Additionally, just like you, it's more important than ever to provide your dog with a warm, comfortable place to sleep. His bones are becoming thinner, he's losing muscle, and his joints are stiff and aching. A day of activity can result in a sleepless night for your dog, so provide him with a good, comfortable bed.

Dietary Supplements for Older Dogs There are currently some great products and supplements on the market today geared to your "geriatric" dog. 1-800-PetMeds - America's Pet Health Resource,the largest online veterinary store, offers fantastic supplements created specifically for older dogs, such as Canine Plus Senior, which provides over 55 factors essential for optimal health and is specifically formulated to focus on geriatric animals with a balance of vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and other added synergistic ingredients that enhance the physical and mental well-being and decrease the effects of aging. Another good supplement is CHOLODIN, which is a dietary supplement formulated especially for geriatric dogs, or Synflex for arthritis. To find more great products for your older dog, visit 1-800-PetMeds - America's Pet Health Resource.

Or check out Hip & Joint Formula by Veterinarian's Best . It's is a great tasting wafer with Glucosamine and other ingredients to support dogs with arthritis or other joint ailments.

Finally, remember that many aging symptoms are similar to symptoms of a sick dog, so it's important to have your dog examined by his vet at least twice a year.

If your older dog is having trouble with accidents in the house, and you just can't be home to take him out during the day, take a look at this new product from Wizdog, LLC. It's new revolutionary indoor housetraining system for dogs. It's got a durable plastic pan and fitted grate. Liquid waste dispenses through the grate onto newspaper or pee pad, and stays separated from your dog's paws. That way, your dog won't track through the house when he's finished. It's really neat, check it out at Wizdog.com

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Copyright 2006 by Lisa Pallardy.  For permission to reproduce this article in electronic newsletters or on websites please contact the author at Lisap@Barktalk.com  This article was originally published at http://www.BarkTalk.com

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