![\"Eve\"](\"https:\/\/sighthoundunderground.com\/http\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Eve06122015.jpg\")
<\/a>When I adopted our first brood mama, I thought that she was a \u201csenior\u201d at the ripe old age of eight. (Most vets will consider a dog a senior between seven and 10.) Since then I\u2019ve realized that Eve was really just middle-aged as far as Greyhounds go. It\u2019s possible for our sighthounds to live much longer than we might think -- with the proper assistance from us.<\/p>\n
The key is to be flexible, be willing to go that little extra mile and, most importantly, to be observant and know what\u2019s normal (and not normal) for your dog. Coming up with a well-rounded plan can go a long way to help your senior stay happy, comfortable, and secure as they age.<\/p>\n
Of course, senior pups need to have regular vet visits and you need to have a good relationship with your vet. If your senior either has an existing medical condition or is over the age of 10 or 11, I recommend twice-a-year vet visits. This will help you keep a check on their weight and also get the vet\u2019s opinion on things like their teeth, eyes, feet, and any current lumps and bumps. Your vet will typically recommend regular blood work for seniors, sometimes called a senior panel, and you may even be offered a discount for doing blood work, urinalysis, and a fecal check all at the same time.<\/p>\n
\u201cSenior-hood\u201d is also the time to start discussing necessary versus un-necessary vaccinations with your vet. As our pets become elderly, it\u2019s often more harmful for them to have what some consider \u201coptional\u201d vaccinations. There\u2019s lots of new information available weighing the risks versus the benefits. You may also want to consider taking your senior to a chiropractor or a vet who does acupuncture<\/a> and\/or Chinese herbs if they\u2019re having any type of issue such as joint pain or back or hip problems.<\/p>\n Just as important as your relationship with the vet, senior pups have special needs related to two main areas: food and supplements, and mobility assistance.<\/p>\n Food and Supplements<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n While it\u2019s not necessary for a senior dog to be on what\u2019s considered a \u201csenior\u201d food, it is important that the food be of good quality. But it also cannot be too rich for their digestive system. Some seniors don\u2019t handle high protein foods well, particularly if their kidneys aren\u2019t working like they used to.<\/p>\n Remember that as your hounds age, their senses of smell and taste can decline, so it\u2019s important to feed them a food that they\u2019ll enjoy. If needed, don\u2019t hesitate to change it up for them. A change in food may be just what they need! Dogs with kidney disease are notorious for losing their appetite so it might be a bit more challenging to tempt them to eat. \u00a0Satin balls (see below) can help. But if you\u2019re still finding that your senior gives his food the thumbs down, talk to your vet. A prescription for an appetite stimulant such as mirtazapine might be in order.<\/p>\n In addition to a quality food, senior pups may need some additional nutritional and supplement help.<\/p>\n Oils:<\/em><\/strong> The addition of a good oil such as coconut, fish, olive, or flax seed is helpful, particularly for dry skin. Coconut oil can also be rubbed onto the skin and coat providing a great shine. And the additional benefit of rubbing coconut oil into their coat is that it also allows you to examine their body for any new lumps and bumps.<\/p>\n