Question: Is fat important to my dog’s health and, if so, what is the best kind?

Answer: Dietary fat is the most concentrated source of energy for the dog. It also provides essential fatty acids and aids in nutrient utilization and transportation. Fat is involved in cell integrity and metabolic regulation. So, yes, fat is important to your dog’s overall health!

Saturated fat is found primarily in animal sources while polyunsaturated fat is found mostly in plant sources. Saturated fat provides greater energy for the dog than carbohydrates. In fact, as long as the diet provides sufficient glucose precursors (amino acids, fats, etc.), dietary carbohydrates are not needed for growth and maintenance.

Fats (and oils) are composed of fatty acids, sometimes referred to as vitamin F. Fatty acids are found in both animal and plant sources. The two types of essential fatty acids (EFAs) most recognized as important to canine health are omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3s include alpha-linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-6s include linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acids (GLA). Trans-fatty acids, dangerous free radicals, are formed when unsaturated oils are exposed to heat, light, or oxygen. Omega-3s are the most sensitive and are often deficient in cooked or processed pet food products. Thus, some dog guardians choose to add supplemental Omega-3 oils to their dog’s diet to replace those that have been destroyed during heat processing.

There are many types of oils available, but most dogs do best on one from an animal source such as fish oil. There are plant sources of omega-3s, but some dogs do not make the conversion within their bodies that is needed to make the plant form usable. If you choose to add EFAs to your dog’s food, please remember to choose the highest quality available. The oil label should state that it’s been tested free of heavy metals, PCBs, and other contaminants. Even though fats and EFAs are important to good health, too much can put a strain on organs such as your dog’s liver and pancreas. Avoid cooked fats (grease) or poor quality products. And remember that a little goes a long way!

Kymythy Schultze has been a trailblazer in animal nutrition for over two decades. She is also a human nutritionist and has helped thousands of people and their pets live happier, healthier lives. To learn more about animal and human nutrition, check out her best-selling books: Natural Nutrition for Dog and Cats: The Ultimate Diet and The Natural Nutrition No-Cook Book: Delicious Food for You and Your Pets! Find her website at www.kymythy.com

If you are a dog owner, there is no doubt that you treat your dog as another member of your family. As your dog ages, he or she may have different needs than when he or she was younger. As your dog approaches its senior years, old dog care will become an important part of your dog’s life.

Different dog breeds age at different rates. Often those who are considered to be “mutts” are generally hardier than purebred dogs. However, no matter what breed of dog you have, at some point in your dog’s life it is going to exhibit signs of aging. You have to be ready for this so that your dog will be able to receive the kind of care necessary for an older dog.

As is much the same with human medicine, veterinary medicine has made great strides in geriatric care. Now our pets can live longer than ever before. With some effort on your part, you will be able to provide your old dog with they type of care that is suitable for your faithful companion so that he or she can live to be a comfortable and pleasant old age.

The Aging Process

Here are some noticeable signs that Fido is showing his age: sleeping more, being startled by noises, eating less, bright lights, loss of activity, not coming right away when you call (may indicate difficulty moving such as arthritis or hearing loss), duller coat, eyes that are not quite as bright or may seem clouded (may indicate cataracts), skin that has less elasticity, loss of bowel or bladder control in a dog that was previously well house-trained.

Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfy

You want your dog to remain comfortable in his or her old age; therefore, you should provide the proper care for your senior dog.

First, most dogs are aware that they should not relieve themselves in the house. If your geriatric dog happens to have an accident in the house, try to be comforting and understanding. This is not a time for punishment because most dogs sense that they have done something wrong. With senior dogs, it’s a good idea to let them out more often than you might have when he was younger.

Also, provide a comfortable bed, preferably an orthopedic bed for your old dog to lie on. Many aging dogs like to sleep next to the heater vent which makes a cozy place for his bed. Make sure that you can easily throw the cover in the washer. This way, if your dog does have an accident, it will be easier to clean up. If you must keep your dog out of certain places, then try using a baby gate so that he will not go in that particular room.

Second, you should take your senior dog to the vet regularly for check-ups to make sure that he remains healthy. Routinely brush your dog’s teeth and have your vet remove any excess plaque build-up. An unhealthy mouth not only causes gingivitis, tooth loss and soreness but it can also lead to other medical concerns such as heart problems. Third, make sure you give your senior pooch a proper diet. Older dogs are generally less active and a lower calorie food should be considered if your dog is becoming over weight. Also, veterinarians can provide prescription foods for dogs with medical conditions including heart and kidney problems.

Fourth, watch out for the safety of your dog. As eyesight and hearing fail and as coordination becomes more unsteady, your pet may have trouble with stairs and may fall and injure himself. If you place baby gates in strategic places, this can help make sure that your dog does not take a spill.

Fifth, and finally, make sure you give your aging pet lots and lots of love as part of your old dog care regimen. Remember that your pet is the same loving dog that he or she has always been despite a little more gray hair. To make your senior pet still feel part of the family, shower him or her with love and attention just as you always have.

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