The older dog does not always look as healthy as he or she should. That is a fact and not a presumption. Some owners do not take as much care of an older dog as they should. This is not through neglect but through continuing the care of the dog as they did in its youth. An older dog needs a lot more care and love than a younger dog does purely and simply because he or she begins to degenerate and the body cannot keep up with the changes.

The fur, ears and eyes are often the areas of an older dog’s body that need more attention. The ears become clogged far more easily, the eyes tend to pick up more infections if hair is not brushed out of them or gunk cleared, and the fur can become matted and patchy.

A healthy balanced diet can really help to keep an older dog in tiptop condition, especially when combined with a daily walk. However, the main thing for the owner of an older dog to remember is that he or she must remain vigilant to changes. It may be that an older dog will develop an allergy or intolerance, vitamin and mineral deficiencies or develop lumps and bumps. Paying close attention to your older dog will make the signs more instantly recognisable.

Getting any changes in behaviour or physical changes examined straight away may indeed help to keep your older dog a picture of health. There are alternative diets, therapies and treatments available for slight health problems in your older dog so giving some of them a trial may just help to keep your older dog happy for much longer.