Sadly there will come a day when your dog will start to
slow down. This usually happens around seven years of age
depending on the breed. You might notice that he's just not
as active as he used to be or that he doesn't always come
when you call him. It could well be that his hearing is not
so good either. It's a real shame but it happens to us all.
You can help to make his final years as happy and
comfortable as he deserves them to be.
So, what does Aromatherapy and his diet have to do with
your aging dog? Well, firstly, lets look at Aromatherapy.
I'm sure some of you are imagining your elderly dog in a
bubble bath with relaxing music and candles burning all
around him. It would be nice if we could pamper our dog in
such a way but I think you would have your work cut out
just trying to get him into the bath.
So, if not the lovely bath and candles, how can you use
Aromatherapy to benefit your dog? Aromatherapy is not just
candles, sweet smells and lovely music. It includes the use
of pure essential oils. These oils are completely natural,
as they have been extracted from plant and plant matter.
Dogs of all ages are very susceptible to the healing powers
of essential oils.
Many older dogs can suffer from arthritis. Massaging your
dogs aching muscles will do wonders for his mobility and
general well being. Try making up a blend of chamomile (5
drops), lavender (4 drops) and black pepper (3 drops)
essential oils mixed with 1oz (30ml) of a light carrier oil
such as sweet almond or sunflower. For best results,
massage into aching muscles twice daily. Ensure your dog
gets to sleep inside the house in a warm soft bed as this
will help too particularly in colder climates.
You'll probably notice that your dog just doesn't have as
much energy as he once had either. Essential oils can also
help in this area by boosting their energy levels. When
certain oils are massaged into your dog's spine it can have
a tremendous effect on him. In some cases such an effect
that it is best to only do this in the mornings so it has
worn off by bedtime.
There are many other ways in which Aromatherapy can help
with your aging 'best friend' but lets take a look at his
diet. Most dogs will lose some of their appetite as they
get older and they just won't want to eat as much.
Sometimes it can be a good thing, if the dog is overweight
and needs to trim down. But generally speaking, it is a
concern that most dog owners will have to deal with. On the
other side of the coin though some dogs will want to eat
more and this is equally as worrying for owners
particularly if the dog does have arthritis, as any extra
weight will make it even harder for him to get around.
If your dog isn't as keen on the food you offer him you
could try some of the commercial brands of dog food that
are especially made for older dogs. Some of these foods are
more expensive than the usual dog foods but it could well
be worth the added expense if your dog will eat it. If you
invest in a good brand it should have all the necessary
vitamins and minerals that his aging body will need. It's a
good idea to get your dog checked by a vet to see if he is
getting enough vitamins and if not a supplement should be
added to his daily diet.
Some people find that their dogs will only eat raw foods in
their latter years and this is fine as long as he is
getting the vitamins he needs. This diet is called the BARF
diet (bones and raw food diet) and more and more people are
turning to this diet to please their dogs waning appetite.
Not only do they eat raw meats and bones but vegetables
too, usually pureed making it easier for the older dog to
chew. This diet is full of nutrients so added vitamins may
not be necessary. Again, check with your vet first.
If your dog is used to eating dry kibble and suddenly is
not so keen or simply struggles to eat it, try buying the
smaller kibble and adding some water to soften it up a
little. You should check out his teeth though as this could
be the reason he is having trouble eating it. Teeth and
gums get old too and they could be sore, another thing for
your vet to assess.
Your dog has given you many years of good companionship and
love, now's not the time to overlook his special needs.
Pamper him and feed him what he wants and needs and I
guarantee he will love you for it and you will have the
comfort of knowing you helped your dog enjoy his final
years.
----------------------------------------------------
Tracey Peapell is a believer in the power of Aromatherapy
for humans and animals alike. She is the author of
Aromatherapy For Dogs. To find out more about the benefits
of using Aromatherapy for your dogs health and happiness
visit http://www.aromatherapy4dogs.com
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