We have a special interest in the needs of older pets. After the age of seven, a pet’s activity level often decreases and the metabolic rate slows. These factors and others related to the aging process can combine to cause your pet to experience new problems including weight gain or loss, dental problems, heart diseases and decreased kidney function.

What to Expect As Your Dog Ages - Every dog ages differently, but there are some common changes that occur as the body gets older. Below is a list of the top 20 most common things that develop in elderly pets.

Senior Nutrition - An older dog gains weight more easily because his metabolism is slowing. Your vet can recommend food that is high in fiber and lower in fat, so that your dog is eating his accustomed amount of food, but fewer calories. As digestion worsens, he might do better with smaller, more frequent meals. Conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart or liver problems also call for special nutritional plans.

Always provide fresh, cool water.

Exercise - Keep your dog active by providing moderate exercise. Exercise helps your dog maintain muscle tone, keeps his heart and digestion healthy and even improves his attitude. Walking is great. Gentle games of fetch and other play not only keep him in shape, but keep him mentally alert and interacting positively with you. Swimming is particularly good for arthritic dogs.

10 Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog - Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The cause can be abnormal bone or joint development, instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons, damage or injury to the joint, an infection, or injury caused by the immune system. While anti-inflammatory medicines are popular treatments for arthritis, another approach involves protecting the cartilage in the joint and “nourishing” the joint. Here are 10 tips that may help your arthritic dog.