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Loving your older dog...

There are several ways you can improve the quality of your older dogs life...

1. Medical Care: Be sure your dog has appropriate medical care.  Inform your Veterinarian of any medical changes that you notice in your dog.  All dogs age differently your veterinarian is best suited to manage your dogs aging issues.  The better you know your dogs habits the more information you can give your Veterinarian.

* Watch for indications of sight and hearing loss.
* Pay attention to eating, drinking and elimination habits, report changes to your Veterinarian.
* Watch for indications that your dog is having difficulty getting up or walking.

KEEP THE NAME, PHONE NUMBER, ADDRESS AND DIRECTIONS TO THE NEAREST 24 HR EMERGENCY VETERINARY CLINIC ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

2. Exercise: Some dogs become couch potatoes as they age others act like puppies.  If your dog has become a couch potato be sure he gets a least  3 walks a week.

Specialized exercise can be provided by a canine rehabilitation and fitness center such as Top Dog Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness Center in Hamden CT.  As dogs get older there are many benefits to exercise.  Swimming and the underwater treadmill are excellent ways for dogs to loose weight ( if needed ) and build muscle. Top dog has cutting edge therapies to help your dog be healthy, comfortable and mobile.

3. Nutrition:  Older dogs may suffer the affects of nutritional deficiencies caused by poorer digestion and utilization of nutrients in their food.  A nutritional supplement can help your dog
remain active and healthy.

3. Enjoyment & Enrichment:  Older dogs need to be mentally engaged in life.  Find things that    your  dog likes to do...  teach them new games.