Is caring for an elderly dog the same as caring for a puppy or a young dog? Do they all require the same exercise, the same feeding, and same amount of nutrition? How can I take better care of my dog during his adult years and make sure that he lives his full life?

A dog’s lifespan varies depending on the breed. Toy breeds usually have a shorter lifespan than regular small breeds. Small breeds usually live longer than large breeds. Some Terriers live and average of 15 years and some even reach 20. And because large breeds have a shorter life span, they also tend to age quicker than the other two breeds. For instance, Great Danes are rather old once they reached their eighth or ninth years of age and quite few of them live past 12 years old.

There are two common signs of old age that occur and are the same to most dogs; their hair turning gray around the head and especially near the ears and muzzle; and weight loss.

Here are some tips on how to properly feed your elderly dog and make sure that he is getting the proper amount of nutrition that is required for his age:

1. When giving your dog a home-cooked diet, medium fat cuts or chunks of meat are the best meal you can give him.

2. As long as your dog has a good appetite, make sure he is getting enough food, given that elderly dogs usually have better appetite than puppies and younger dogs.

3. Your mature dog needs food that is easy to digest such as fish and poultry.

4. Ensure that drinking water is available at all times.

5. Keep in mind the importance of giving him extra vitamins such as bone meal for calcium and cod liver oil for Vitamin D. Yeast preparations are rich in B Vitamins and minerals that are good for mature, elderly dogs with weak livers. Be careful not to over supplement.

6. Adding fat such as lard, chicken or turkey fat to a lean, elderly dog’s diet can supply him with extra calories. You can add one teaspoon for small dogs and about four teaspoons for larger dogs.

7. Use mineral oil and/or bran to relieve constipation.