Most humans tend to forget that puppies grow up into adults, the same way human kids grow up into human adults.
If there are senior humans, there are senior dogs.
This is why humans who are thinking of getting a dog for a pet is strongly encouraged to first read up on proper dog care before getting one. Once she or he is willing to take care of a dog despite the time, effort, and funds needed, then she can start looking for the kind of dog she or he feels is right for her/him.
An asong Pinoy (aspin) is different from a shih tzu, and a shih tzu is different from a chow chow in terms of food they need, and the environment they can thrive in, among others. One has to choose well based on his/her lifestyle and financial capability to take care of a certain kind of dog.
Taking care of a pup is not easy. It is like taking care of a human baby.
Taking care of an adult dog is more difficult because the dog can not tell you what it wants. It can only bark and if the owner has not observed his dog well, it will be difficult for the owner to understand what the dog is trying to tell his owner.
Now taking care of a senior dog is the most difficult part. By this time, the owner has grown to really love his/her dog, thus the emotional attachment is deep.
Dogs have a short lifespan than humans. One has to learn to enjoy each moment with his/her dog as dogs do go before humans.
Before getting a dog, please ask yourself:
*Can I provide good food and vitamins?
*Do I have the time to bathe him, have him groomed, play with him and walk him?
*Do I have the funds to bring him to the vet and have him treated when he gets sick?
*Am I willing to go the extra mile to care for him when he gets old? Am I willing to spend more time with a senior dog and give more love to an old dog who might go anytime? Am I willing to spend funds to make his/her last years comfortable?
If you can, you are one such loving human and may your tribe increase. If you can not, your honesty is admirable and please get a dog only when you are ready for a lifetime commitment.
For the next five Sundays, Pets Page will give you tips on how to care for your senior dog. Caring for an old dog is much different from caring for a younger one, and requires more attention, time, and funds for supplements, among others.
One of the things an owner has to remember is that a senior dog still needs EXERCISE. But in moderation.
Just like a senior human, a senior dog can not jump as high or run as fast as younger dogs. Thus, his/her exercise should be tailored for his/her age.
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care notes: “exercise is still an essential component of any senior dog care regimen. Dogs tend to age better both physically and mentally when daily exercise, such as a short walk, is a part of their routine.”
A senior dog needs his daily walk still. But the distance and length of time for such a walk is not as long as when he/she was young. An owner who observes his/her dog knows how far his/her dog can walk and for how long.
Drake Center says, “an important rule of thumb is to keep their exercise both regular and moderate. Keep up with daily or every other day walks and limit the duration according to the dog's level of fitness and fatigue.”
Drake Center adds,” Just as in humans, exercise can also:
§ Help maintain a healthy body weight
§ Slow the progression of old-age arthritis
§ Stimulate cognitive capacity
§ Heighten motor skills and coordination faculties.”
It adds: “Of course, the physical condition of your senior dog will ultimately determine exercise duration and frequency, and we recommend consulting your veterinarian about the most appropriate and effective exercise routine for your canine companion.” DC“‹