Your Pooch is Getting Older, Things You Should Know

It's mind boggling how time can fly by, it seems not so long ago your dog was an energetic puppy. The years have a way of creeping up on us and sooner than you would expect, you're dealing with an older dog and you will have to accept and adapt to certain changes in your dog's behavior and needs. There are subtle signs that signal your dog is getting on in his years that you will have to look out for, some are normal due to the natural aging process while some can be avoided. Observing your dog as he ages can make the difference between your dog aging gracefully or aging badly.

The majority of dogs slow down as they age. You may notice your dog's energy levels decreasing and as a result so will his metabolism. This can lead to obesity so you have to watch out for that and adapt your dog's diet to suit his activity levels. Obesity, especially in an older pet, can lead to very serious health concerns. It is important to introduce any dietary changes gradually to avoid upsetting your older dog's fragile dietary system.

As they age, a dog's protein requirements may decrease. Increased fiber content may be helpful as well as lower fat content. If your dog's appetite seems to be waning you should consider providing supplements to ensure your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs. If your dog experiences any sudden changes in weight you should take him to the vet as this generally indicates something is seriously wrong with your pet.

Just as humans go grey as they age, so do dogs. You may notice your dog developing white hair around the muzzle and eyes. Your dog's coat may become less shiny and this could be an indication that there may be a nutritional deficiency so consult with your vet to make sure you are feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet appropriate for your dog's age. You dog's skin may also lose condition becoming thinner and less elastic, this could be a symptom of dehydration, you should always make sure your dog is drinking enough. Excessive drinking, on the other hand, could be a sign of serious problems so always observe your dog's drinking habits. Fish oil supplements can be very beneficial for older pets so check with your vet on which supplements will help your dog.

A common problem many owners of aging dogs may face is urinary incontinence. A formerly housetrained dog may begin to have frequent "accidents" in the house or may even leak urine while asleep. There could be underlying medical reasons for this and you should consult with your vet to see what can be done. Hormonal treatment is sometimes given in these instances and can correct the situation. Letting your dog out more frequently to "do his business" is also helpful. Aging is a sad part of life, and you should have some comfort in the fact that your dog has lived to a ripe old age, not all dog owners are so lucky. Be sure to take good care of your pet in his old age and remember the many years of love and joy he's given you.

This article was provided by Josh Hall of Pet-Super-Store.com, where you can find the Garmin Astro and Tri-tronics products.

Preparing Your Cocker Spaniel For Show - Eight Things Every Handler Should Know

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Showing your dog can be a very rewarding experience, for both you and your pet. But there are some things you need to know first, and knowing them before you just start throwing yourself out there can attribute greatly to your future success in the ring. Everything from equipment to training must be assessed, and you will need a show budget just for starters.

1. Make sure your dog has what it takes to go the distance, this doesn't mean a Westminster qualifier, but he should be a decent representation of a Cocker Spaniel, and cannot be neutered or spayed.


2. Your dog's coat should be in show coat condition. If you are not qualified to give this sort of clip to your Spaniel, find a good local groomer with prior show experience to do one for you. They may even help you learn to do it yourself.


3. Dogs in any sort of competition require high quality dog food to look and feel their best in the ring. Poor quality dog chow will result in a poor coat and body condition.


4. Parasites, none should ever exist in your home. There are no exceptions to this rule.


5. Find a local club or breeder of Spaniels to befriend, offer to be their helping hand and "go for" at some of the big shows, they will in most cases be happy to show you the ropes, give you the run down on whose who, and get you a start in the ring.


6. Brush your Cocker Spaniel daily, those beautiful feathers require a ton of upkeep to keep them in top shape, and remember to pick apart, not tear out, the tangles or your beautiful show coat will be pretty short.


7. Add a little Show Sheen (a product used on the manes and tails of horses) to the dog's coat. This will help keep it from tangling and collecting rubbish from around the house.


8. Keep the dog as indoors as possible, the more contact it has with the outside world, the more breakage that goes on with that hair.

Don't think you have to be a multi millionaire living a jet set lifestyle to be able to compete in this arena; you might be surprised at how little it takes to get you started. Follow these rules of thumb and you are sure to go far.

There is lots to learn about other spaniel breeds. You can also learn about other animals too at TheGenusGenius.