As with humans, dogs tend to slow down a little as they age, losing the motivation and energy they had as younger dogs. In addition to the slowing down, there are a number of common problems that aging dogs suffer from when they get older that can affect their standard of living, and require action to be taken by the pet owner.

Arthritis is a common ailment that affects the majority of dogs over 7 years of age. Most dogs have some form of joint pain when they get older, which may not necessarily be arthritis. Dogs of a certain age tend to be slower when getting up and getting down, slower taking the stairs and less interested in play.

The good news is that there are ways to help dogs that are showing signs of problems, or are predisposed to joint health issues and flexibility issues. One of the ways to help is through balanced nutrition. There are a number of specifically formulated diets available to help dogs with mobility issues which will affect their quality of life. These diets are high in levels of omega 3 fatty acids which work to enhance mobility and joint flexibility.

Another ailment which affects dogs as they get older is bad breath as a result from dental disease. Dental disease can also lead to further health problems and should be treated when symptoms first develop. Regular dental treatment by a veterinary professional in conjunction with regular cleaning at home can help to prevent the build up of plaque and tartar which causes disease and bad breath.

A well managed diet, particularly formulated for dental care will provide support for dental hygiene in managing healthy teeth and gums for your dog. Today’s pet product market offer a wide choice of treats and chews scientifically designed to provide additional cleaning for the dog’s teeth. These chews are textured and shaped to act as plaque removers which keeps the teeth clean between brushing.

Dandruff and matted hair are also common problems that older dogs suffer from. Seborrhea, as dandruff is known, is dead and dry skin which can further lead to problems with the dog’s coat. Matted hair is a result of a lack of nutrients and grooming and can be treated with regular brushing and grooming. Grooming can also help to remove the dead skin cells and stimulate the follicles to create a healthy coat.

A healthy diet will also help to keep the dog’s skin healthy and prevent dandruff and mats. There are a number of pet food products available that stimulate healthy skin and hair growth as well as some shampoos which target skin problems and provide the necessary nutrients and minerals to keep your dog’s hair and skin in good condition.

As your dog gets older, it is important to maintain those things that will help to maintain a good quality of life for your dog such as cleaning teeth regularly, grooming and a nutritional diet that helps your dog through the later years.