Grey Muzzle Health and Well-being

As your dog gets older, you want to make sure that you are making choices that will make their life as enjoyable as possible, including choosing the right food. There are more dog food options available than ever before, including many that are for “senior” dogs. What makes a dog a senior citizen? It can vary based on breed or size, with larger dogs being considered senior at 6-9 years, and small dogs not reaching that milestone until their early teens.

Dogs don’t have a human voice. They place implicit trust in us to speak for them and care for them, which goes well beyond food and shelter. It extends into the intangible realm of setting up situations to go in their favor. And a prime example of this is shaping your dog’s experience at the veterinary hospital.

Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM), which includes acupuncture, is an ancient practice that has been gaining in popularity in the United States. Our geriatric pets can greatly benefit from these techniques. Even healthy dogs can see improvements in energy, attitude, physical performance and overall quality of life.

Dogs love to be touched, and massage in particular can be very enjoyable. It is also very helpful for a senior dog's health—improving blood flow, stimulating the immune system, and reducing pain. In this post, Grey Muzzle President Jennifer Kachnic explains the benefits and types of canine massage.