Calling all dog people! If you’re a pet parent like myself, then you know we only want the very best for our furry companions, i.e. we want them to live forever and ever. But since the world is cruel and that’s not realistic, the next best thing we can do is stay vigilant about making sure our dogs are as healthy as can be for as long as possible. That’s why it’s so important to look out for certain health changes as your dog gets older, as some symptoms can indicate that they may need serious medical attention.

As far as dogs’ life cycles go, small dogs are considered to be geriatric at around age seven, while larger dogs, who typically have shorter life spans, are considered geriatric by around age six, according to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Once your dog reaches this stage of life, he or she will be at a higher risk for a number of different ailments, ranging anywhere from arthritis to cancer. Because of this, it’s suggested that you up their regular veterinary check-ups to twice a year, reevaluate the type of food you feed them to be sure it’s easily digestible for senior dogs, and be extra-aware of making sure they get enough activity and stimulation. But in addition to the more frequent vet visits and conscious food and lifestyle choices for your pup, you should also look out for any unusual health changes that could be red flags for more serious issues. …to read full article click here

Source: Bustle.com