Month: February 2014

More on the Caring and Feeding of Your Senior Dog

Not every Older Dog is Fat!

A reduced calorie senior dog food is obviously not a good choice for a pet that is either at a good weight or is too thin.

As the case with people, your dogs diet should meet his individual nutritional requirments, which may or may not be similar to other dosgs his age. Your dogs body condition and any underlying diseases are more important considerations than his age.

Protein Requirments Do Not Decrease as Your Dog Ages:

In fact, studies point to an increased need for protein. Low protein will compromise kidney and liver function.  The type of protein most dogs

thrive on is whole, unprocessed and often raw.

Added Fiber is not Biologically Appropiate for Dogs

While it is true senior dogs have problems with consitpation, the fiber added to commercial pet foods isn’t the answer

A senior formula with increased fiber will cause your little guy to poop more, but it will block absorption of healthy nutrients. Too much fiber can creat a barrier in your dog’s small intenstine which prevent antioxidants, vitamins and minerals from being assimilated.

When it Comes to Senior Dog Foods Buyers Beware

Dog food formulas marketed for senior aren’t  based on much science or even a solid set of guidelines outlining the general nutritional requirmements.

Please see your vet and discuss your old guys nutrtional needs and dietary requirements

 

 

 

Why Does My Senior Dog Eat Grass?

Biologist have told us that canids-dogs, wild dogs, wolves , etc, All, eat grass, as a normal part of its diet. So its important to recognize that

attempting to prevent  your little guy from eating grass is not necessary, unless your lawn has been treated  with insecticides, or some kind of chemical.

if it has not been treated, let him eat away!

It is widely believed that your dog is seeking out grasses which   contains some nutritional value. We  know that grass contains an abundant source

 source of fiber or rougage, It is high in fiber. Grass is a living  green food which contains phytonutrients and is high in potassium and chlorophyll.

Grasses are also a pretty good source of digestive enzymes. Sometimes they eat grass becuase they are bored.

The most noticeable item with grass eating is the vomiting, associated with it.  It is completly normal for this to occur.

You might want to look at switching your dogs food, flavors and switching protein sources.

In addition, you might want to look at a holistic  vet, who can assit in chaging  your dogs diet.  You should make this change gradually.

The other items that you should consider adding to your dogs food are probiotics and digestive enzymes.

Another reason we must look at , is this.  Chico, and your dog as well. might just like the taste! can you imagine?

Often, I have had to pick blades of grass from Chico’s nose to stop the incessant sneezing. During the summer, he goes right to it. During the winter, he goes through the snow to get to it. I make no attempt to stop him from thsi behaviour.  Once  every two weeks or so, he throws up and away we go!!

As I always note , We are having sixth month wellness exams for our sentiors, so we are ahead of any problems!!!

LONG LIVE SENIOR DOGS!!!

 

 

If this is occuring more frequently, you might want to look into  a wholisitc vet who  cn help in swiching to  a more balanced diet for your  little guy.

I can’t tell you the number of times, I have had to pry blades of grass out of Chico;s throat ajd nose. i am quite the expert  with this now. i can’t stand to see him uncomfortable, so i will do what is necessary to get hin there, just as i know most pet owners will do.