Dog Food for an Older Dog

As your dog ages, their dietary requirements change too. Their metabolism will change, as will their immune system. It's a very good idea to feed your older dog a special senior diet, developed just for their needs. 

I'm often asked at what age should you start feeding your dog a senior diet, and the answer depends of the type of dog you have. Typically, smaller dogs show the signs of ageing later than larger dogs. You should notice age related changes in your dog sometime between the age of seven and twelve years. If you have a large dog, then senior dog food may be beneficial after the age of about five. For smaller dogs, perhaps seven is a better age at which to start him on a special diet for older dogs.

So what is different about a special dog food for senior dogs? Well they will usually be lower in calories. Older dogs tend to be less active and can often have a slower metabolic rate meaning that they can be prone to putting on extra weight. Feeding a diet that is low in calories will help prevent your dog from becoming obese and suffering from weight related illnesses. The special diet should however have a normal level of protein to help maintain muscle mass. Older dogs require different levels of vitamins and minerals. Extensive research will have gone into the development of the food to ensure the optimum level of nutrients are contained within the food to keep your dog fit and healthy in his senior years. Your senior diet may also contain added GLA, an Omega-6 fatty acid that helps keep your dogs coat glossy and healthy. This fatty acid is produced naturally by the liver, but production slows as your dog ages so having this supplemented with their diet can keep your dog looking younger than his years.

Remember if you are changing your dog's diet to Burgess Supadog then you should introduce the new food slowly. A sudden change in diet can be a shock to the digestive system of a dog, especially on that is older, and one that has eaten the same food for a long time. A change in diet can also cause stress to an older dog. 

Introduce the new food over time, mixed with their previous food. Start with just 25% of the new food mixed in with 75% of their old food for a week, then for the next week have a 50/50 ratio. Take this up to 75% new with 25% old for the third week, then feed your dog 100% of the new food from then on. Changing the diet over slowly like this should help prevent digestive problems such as constipation, stomach bloating, diarrhoea and excessive wind.

5 Tips for Giving Your Dog Treats

Most pet owners choose to give their dogs more than just dog food.  Treats are often an important part of the dog’s diet.  Unfortunately, many owners go overboard with treats and this often leads to weight gain and an unhealthy pet. Listed below are 5 tips for giving your dog treats.  Allow these tips to help keep your dog healthy and allow it to enjoy special treats during the day. 

Burgess Sensitive Gourmet Treats

Choose to give your dog treats instead of bones or other table food

Table food can be filled with ingredients that can be harmful to your pet’s diet.  It can cause digestive problems and also deter your dog from eating dog food.  To avoid these problems, give your dog treats that are made specifically for its dietary needs.

Give dog treats at the proper time

When used right, dog treats can be very effective. Avoid giving your dog treats during times when it is overly excited as this condones the behavior.  Treats are perfect for positively reinforcing good behavior.  

When using treats for training, avoid giving too many treats near meal time 

Dog treats are the perfect tool for training your pet to do tricks.  However, if you choose to give them near meal time, you run the risk of ruining your dog’s appetite. While most dog treats are healthy for your dog, they still won’t provide enough nutrition to sustain your pet.  Meal times are important. Avoid feeding your dog too many treats near meal time.

Find treats that will be helpful for your dog’s dental needs

A dog’s teeth and gums are a crucial part of health. Without strong, healthy teeth, your dog’s diet will be affected.  When searching for treats, look for those that are formulated to help improve your dog’s teeth.  From cleaning to fresh breath, there are many dental treats available that your pet is sure to enjoy.

Never give your dog chocolate

Dogs will eat almost anything that you put in front of them. They won’t reject food that is not good for them. It is up to you to know what foods are harmful for your pet.  Chocolate is one of those foods.  

Use the tips above when giving your dog treats. Treats are great for bonding and when giving correctly can actually improve your dog’s health.  What treats will you choose to encourage your pet?

Feeding Tips for a Healthier Dog

Is your dog in optimal health?  Many times, the health of your dog relies heavily on feeding habits.  If your dog’s health is in jeopardy or you simply want to ensure that it is getting proper nutrition, the following information will be helpful for you.  Use the dog feeding tips listed below for a healthier pet...

Focus on the quality of the dry dog food

Your dog will only be as healthy as the food that you choose to feed it.  Choose a dry dog food brand that is known for quality and that guarantees health benefits for your pet.  When it comes to dog food, dog sacrifice your dog’s health for inexpensive prices.  Higher quality food will cost more but will be worth the cost in the long run. 

Burgess Supadog Beef Casserole

Feed your dog at least twice a day 

Instead of feeding your dog one large meal in the morning or afternoon, choose to divide the food up into two feedings.  This way, your dog doesn’t have to go as long between feedings and will have something to look forward to throughout the day. 

Choose dog snacks fortified for nutrition

As tempting as it may be to give your dog table scraps, choose snacks that are fortified with nutrition.  These snacks are safer for your dog’s health and will also help it to stay at a healthier weight. 

Find a dry dog food that your pet enjoys

If you want your dog to be healthier, consider finding a food that it truly enjoys.  Play around with flavors until you find the one that your pet enjoys.  If your dog doesn’t like the food, it isn’t likely to eat as much of it.  Finding food that your dog enjoys will encourage it to get the proper nutrition it needs to stay healthy. 

Avoid over feeding your dog

Over feeding your dog can be just as bad as under feeding it.  The amount of food that your pet needs on a daily basis will depend heavily upon how much it weights and its physical activity level.  If you have questions about how much to feed your dog, call your veterinarian for advice.

Use the feeding tips listed above to help ensure that your dog is in optimal pet. Pay close attention to the quality of your pet’s food and ensure that snacks are fortified for nutrition.  What will you to ensure that your pet is getting adequate nutrition?   

 

Is Your Home Safe For Your Dog?

The anticipation of a new baby usually begins with ensuring that the home is safe for the child. While caring for a dog is no measure to caring for a child, there are some similarities.  You must ensure that your home is safe and that you are caring for your dog in the best possible way, with the best dog food and the right home environment.  Listed below is a checklist to follow to ensure that your dog will be safe in your home. 

  

Close off spaces that are off limits to your pet

If you don’t want your dog in a certain room in your home, consider closing the door or putting up a baby gate to help keep it contained. Otherwise, you may have trouble getting your dog to understand to stay out of the space.  Use a baby gate or door to shut off areas that may be dangerous such as home remodeling projects. 

Are your house plants poisonous? 

Just as house plants can be harmful for children, they can be detrimental to your dog’s health.  Get rid of house plants that may pose a risk to your dog. 

Ensure the garbage can is inaccessible

If you throw food scraps in the garbage your dog is likely to have fun with this at some point or another. Unfortunately, many of the foods that humans eat are unhealthy for dogs.  To avoid digestive problem in your dog, ensure that the garbage can is inaccessible.   

Put away things that you don’t want the dog to destroy

Just like a child, a dog will want to explore.  Puppies especially love chewing and exploring things that that may be off limits.  Put away things that are valuable and keep them out of the reach of your pet. 

A fenced in yard will ensure that your put is safe during potty breaks

Keep your dog safe even when it is outdoors by providing a fenced in place for it to use the bathroom, play, and get exercise.  This will allow you to put your mind at ease while your dog is out and about exploring. 

Having a safe home is important to the health and well-being of your pet.  Use the list above to help determine how safe your home is.  From closing off spaces that are off limits to your pet to ensuring that the garbage can is inaccessible, there are things that you can do to protect your pet.  How does your home measure up to the challenge?

Caring for an Older Dog

As your dog ages, you will see noticeable changes in its behavior.  Not only will it become less active, its nutrition needs will change.  Listed below are care tips for older dogs. Be sure that your dog is receiving the best care as it gets older. 

Age should not be considered a disease

Many people think that because their dog is older that there is no hope for it living a normal, healthy life. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you have taken good of your dog over the years, fed it a healthy diet, and encouraged exercise, it is very likely that your pet is in excellent condition. Don’t let age be the determining factor for how healthy your dog is. 

Feed your dog a diet suitable for aging dogs

As dogs age, they become less active.  This factor often requires a change in diet. A lower calorie food that is formulate specifically for aging dogs can help meet nutritional needs and also help maintain a healthy weight. Consider feeding your dog two small meals during the day instead of one large meal.  You may also consider switching to a softer food for dogs that may have dental issues as they age.  Feeding habits in older dogs is important for combating common illnesses and diseases that affects pets as they age. 

Check-ups are vital 

As your dog ages, you may want to consider increasing its yearly checkups from one to two a year.  In between checkups it is beneficial to look for noticeable signs of aging such as arthritis and digestive problems. This will allow you to seek the veterinarian’s advice on how to treat the common problems related to aging. 

Encourage exercise

While your dog may slow down as it ages, it is important that you do your best to encourage exercise. The more it exercises the better chance it will have to combat illnesses and disease.  Bring your dog for walks daily to help encourage exercise. Sleeping all day is highly discouraged.  Take time to play with your dog as it ages in an effort to better the dog’s health.

Listed above are a few important tips for caring for older dogs.  As dogs age, they will need more attention, a change in diet, and increased focus on overall health.  Allow these tips to help you aging pet be in the best health possible regardless of age. 

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