Senior Dog Comfort & Care

While a little junk in the trunk is adorable, obesity is one of the major causes of shorter lifespans in dogs — as much as two years! But this is preventable and reversible. Besides causing mobility issues, extra weight can cause or complicate conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.

Extra fat does nasty things to a dog’s body. It releases inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress (an imbalance of free radicals). These contribute to many diseases, especially arthritis. In some cases, obesity can be an indicator of disease. For example, dogs with hypothyroidism Tip #43 (an underactive thyroid gland) or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease — an overactive adrenal gland, Tip #46) tend to be overweight despite efforts to decrease their weight.

Your veterinarian will determine your senior dog’s ideal weight and what their daily caloric intake should be. Most senior dogs need a lower-calorie diet that is high in fiber. Using diet and exercise, work toward that goal weight. You and your dog can do it!