Canine nutrition for a healthy old age

Abstract

Ageing dogs are commonly seen in veterinary practices. Small breed dogs may be considered geriatric at 12–14 years whereas large and giant breed dog would be geriatric at 7–9 years. When dogs begin to transition from adult to senior or geriatric, it is important that their nutrition is monitored by a veterinary professional so that they maintain health and a high quality of life. The veterinary nurse plays an important role in monitoring patients from the time they are puppies through their senior years assuring that appropriate nutrition is maintained for a long, healthy life. The veterinary nurse's role in helping the owner to achieve his or her goals of having a healthy older dog begins the minute the patient enters the clinic for the first time. Mature dogs are more prone than younger dogs to certain disease processes such as obesity, degenerative joint disease, cognitive dysfunction, and cardiac, renal, liver, and metabolic diseases. A beneficial feeding plan should be based on risk factors and any disease process affecting the individual dog. The aim is to establish a long healthy old age for the canine.