Seniors tend to have a decrease in their energy level
So what exactly is the difference between a dog being an "adult" or being a "senior?" The vet's offices tend to define a senior dog as any dog being older than 6-8 years of age (some offices tell you six years, some will say eight years).
So, when should you take them from adult formula food and switch them to senior formula? What other changes can be expected from an aging dog?
Switching you dog to a senior formula is really determined more by your dog's energy level than by their age. You can have a 10-year-old dog that still runs around and plays and gets plenty of exercise, and they won't need to be on a senior formula necessarily; however if you have a larger breed dog that's 5-years-old and he doesn't have the activity level he used to have, you may want to consider switching him to senior food. (You and your vet can talk and come to a decision about when exactly to switch your dog over.) One big difference with senior formulas is that it has fewer calories and is formulated for your dog's changing body. Iams makes a really nice senior formula called Iams Active Maturity ProActive Health formula. It has Prebiotics in it to help promote a healthy digestive system (they feed the healthy bacteria which push out the unhealthy bacteria). Iams also makes an Active Maturity Savory Sauce that you can add to your dog's kibble. It makes for a healthy treat, and it can help promote an appetite for picky eaters. Petsmart (located in Hamburg Pavillion) carries these Iams products, and you can also check at Kroger (on Richmond Road) and Walmart Supercenter (on Gray Lag Way Road) for them.
Along with their activity levels decreasing, senior dogs also undergo alot of psychology changes, just as their human counterparts do. As we age, we can become more stubborn and set in our ways. We can also become easily frightened at things that never really bothered us before; we can become easily confused and forgetful; and we can be more temperamental and impatient. All of these things go for dogs as well. It can be very saddening to see these differences happen to your friend. Just bare in mind that as they age, your patience needs to grow along with them. They won't mean to be difficult or belligerent, they just won't be the same dog they were when they were two-years-old.
(For other nutrition options, you can check out the article about what to feed your dog - www.examiner.com/x-45834-Lexington-Dog-Health-Examiner~y2010m4d21-You-Are-What-You-Eat)
Comments