There's a reason why dogs are called man's best friend. Whether your furry, four-legged pal is a Lassie look-a-like Collie, a drug-sniffing K9 German Shepherd, or just a sweet-faced mixed-breed you found at the local animal shelter, chances are you love your dog almost as much – or maybe even more – than your own family members.

And just like your human family members, your dog will eventually reach her elderly years and may have health conditions requiring assistance from you. The age at which a dog is considered "old" depends on the size: small breeds are not considered elderly until about 10 years old; medium and large dogs at 7 or 8 years old; and giant dogs at 5 years old. http://www.netpets.org/dogs/reference/geriatricart.html

Dogs naturally begin to lose brain function – the ability to remember, and to learn – as they age. With this can come incontinence, daytime sleepiness and restlessness at night, less interaction with owners, disorientation and confusion with normal activities, and sometimes increased aggression. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html Aging dogs need more attention than younger dogs – mostly because younger dogs seek out attention from their owners – and if they have health conditions such as arthritis, deafness, or blindness, you may be spending quite a bit of time in a caregiver role. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html

Dog owners should begin early in the dog’s life – well before the elderly years – reading any of the books on dog care available. A veterinarian familiar with dogs, preferably one who knows your particular dog well, is another invaluable resource.

Because you want your dog to live as healthy and as fulfilling of a life as long as possible, it’s essential to start giving your pet quality care when you first bring her home, whether as a pup or full-grown animal, and then to continue that loving care as the dog grows older and requires more support.

Whether you’re a big reader or not, it’s essential to have a couple different books on general dog care on hand. Why several? Different authors bring different experiences and perspectives to light in their book, so owning more than one book gives you a more rounded knowledge base about caring for your dog.

As dogs are such popular pets, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a couple books you like. Start at your local bookstore, or an online bookstore, or ask a fellow dog owner or veterinarian what books they’d recommend. You can also glean a lot of information off the Internet, but be wary of checking references so you’re not basing your dog’s care off someone’s opinion instead of fact.

An award-winning book many dog owners like is Dogs for Dummies by Gina Spadafori. Add your favorite books in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Good topics for any book you choose include:

• 1. Caring for both physical and mental health
• 2. Special considerations for the geriatric dog
• 3. Common illnesses
• 4. First aid and emergency care
• 5. Correcting common behavioral problems.

Next, you’ll learn how to find a great veterinarian. Last, you’ll receive tips to dealing with common problems with aging dogs.

You need to find a local veterinarian to provide ongoing, quality care for your dog. A geriatric dog should visit a veterinarian two times a year. http://www.netpets.org/dogs/reference/info/goldenyrs.html It’s important that this veterinarian not only be very familiar with dog care but also someone you’re comfortable with, because as your dog ages, you will likely be spending more time discussing options with this veterinarian. Here are some tips, from personal experience, to finding that perfect-for-you veterinarian:

1. Take a tour of the clinic. When you bring your dog in for a visit, take a mental note of the condition of the waiting room and examining rooms, and the general atmosphere of the facility. Is it clean and orderly? Are the veterinarians, technologists, and office staff helpful, courteous, and friendly to both you and your dog?
2. Have a conversation. See how forthcoming your veterinarian is about his or her experiences with dogs. If you’re talking with a young veterinarian, where was she educated and is he working with a senior staff member? If you brought your dog into the clinic for a visit, is the veterinarian adequately explaining the procedures required, the diagnosis made, and the treatment recommended? Does he or she give you any option treatments to consider? How does he or she plan to follow up?
3. Consider the quality of the business transaction. How smoothly did the billing process go? If you have insurance for your dog, did the process go well in submitting that or making any appeals? Were you surprised by any items on the bill?

Next, you’ll receive tips to dealing with common problems with aging dogs.

While dogs with specific health conditions require specialized care, there are tips that all dog owners can implement in their daily care routines as their dogs reach their older years:

• • Slow down the aging process – According to Dr. Bruce Fogle, author of Natural Dog Care, regular massage and grooming help improve circulation, a well-balanced diet controls weight gain and encourages good kidney function, and memory exercises can reduce normal memory loss.http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html Fogle also recommends limiting exercise to walking and other easy activities, rather than jumping, as injuries are more likely to occur in older dogs and often take longer to heal, with more likelihood for complications. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html

• • Watch for depression – Depression is common in older dogs, says Fogle, and can make a dog more susceptible to illness as well as prolong an injury or illness. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html Signs include little appetite and lethargy. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html Mental stimulation helps to prevent depression. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html

• • Know the common health problems of geriatric dogs – Aging dogs are quite susceptible to deafness and blindness; keep them in a location where they’re familiar with the layout and don’t move furniture the around. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html Aging dogs also tend to have problems with urinary and/or fecal incontinence; first consult a veterinarian to rule out an infection or hormonal imbalance. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html Unfortunately, there is little to do to prevent incontinence. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html The good point is that dribbling most often occurs while sleeping, so protecting the area where the dog sleeps with washable bathmats or other removable surfaces can reduce odor and dampness problems in your home. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html Another common occurrence in aging dogs are benign fatty tumors that appear as odd lumbs and bumps; these are usually nothing to worry about, but be sure to report any changes in size or shape to your veterinarian. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html Stiffness and arthritis are almost synonymous with aging in dogs. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html It’s often worse in cold weather and right away in the morning, but you may want to check with your veterinarian to rule out a muscle strain. http://www.tailsawagginonline.com/aging.html There are medications available to control pain, as well as other therapies such as massage, heat, and water training that may ease the symptoms. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XeF773CxjI&feature=youtube_gdata It’s also important to control weight gain in pets with arthritis, through diet and exercise, as the extra weight only stresses the joints even more. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XeF773CxjI&feature=youtube_gdata

• • Know the common serious health conditions – Just as with aging humans, aging dogs are prone to a variety of health conditions that may require constant veterinary monitoring and ongoing treatment beyond the usual aches and pains of these years. Some of these more common conditions include ulcers and digestive problems, cardiac problems, diabetes, and cancer. http://www.netpets.org/dogs/reference/geriatricart.html Symptoms to report to your veterinarian include: a change in water consumption, enlarged abdomen, appetite changes, a decrease in energy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, lameness, bad breath, weight changes, swellings or lumps, behavior changes, incontinence, hair loss, and lower response to stimuli. http://www.netpets.org/dogs/reference/geriatricart.html

When in doubt, always consult your dog care books and check with your veterinarian.