In much the same way as we their owners do, our canine friends are also quite unique in the way they age. However, as no doubt many of you will know from your experience as owners and breeders, many mixed breeds and smaller kinds of dogs tend to live longer illustrated by the fact that many vets are not surprised to find that that weighs less than 20 pounds may not show signs of age until it is at least 12, whilst one that weighs more than 50 can show considerable signs of aging as early as 8.
Therefore, there is a need for us all to know our dogs and be aware of when they require more care and this is particularly true when it comes to traveling so I would advise you to consider these important tips -
1) Make sure you have access to your dog’s health records when traveling - although older dogs generally have more health issues – so be sure to either bring along the medical records or use a service which provides online access. Also make sure you keep all the paperwork on file for your dog insurance.
2) One of the biggest issues is arthritis so getting in and out of a car becomes more of a challenge so you may want to purchase a product that helps you to get your pet in and out safely including pet ramps, whilst special harnesses can be used to help them get in and out and hold them in place.
3) In the same was as Grandma or Grandpa, when dogs age they often become more fragile so that there is a need for some form of proper and comfortable restraint to prevent injury. In addition, with a much larger dog a vehicle pet barrier or travel crate may help along with a cushy pet bed, whilst small dogs usually just need a pet car seat.
4) Do not forget to pack enough of your dog’s regular food for the trip and to keep to their regular feeding schedule because of the risk of them having stomach trouble.
5) Finally, remember to stop regularly to allow your dog to relieve itself in the bathroom in view of their age meaning that they may need shorter periods between toilet breaks.
As a result, looking to embrace these simple tips can help your dog to have a much happier and safer journey on any trip that you take with the rest of the family.