Older Dogs

1. My dog is ten years old, and is starting to slow down. Is there a dietary supplement or a special kind of food I can give her?

   A: As your dog's metabolism slows down her need for protein will decrease. There is special food for older dogs, but speak for your veterinarian first. Get some blood work done to your older dog to see if any enzymes are lacking and what he would recommend. As dogs age their senses diminish as well. Behavior changes include a greater sensitivity to touch, territorial behavior with strangers, incontinence, sound sensitivity due to both loss of hearing and loss of eye sight, and overall disorientation.

2. My older dog (6 years) is starting to become very aggressive. How can I placate her?

   A: Territorial behavior is something that develops over time with dogs. Your dog may have been bossy in younger days, but what may have passed before as harmless barking is now evolving into aggression. It usually has something to do with sensory loss, which leads to disorientation, paranoia or senility.

   Help your dog to re-define his space. Select an area away from entranceways. Consider gates to confine your dog in that area if you're expecting incomers. Place soft bedding and familiar objects, in the area like one of your old t-shirts. Play soft music to drown out unpleasant sounds.