Geriatric dogs need special nutrition.
Americans love dogs, and poodles are a popular breed for companionship. They were among the top 10 registered breeds in 2009, according to the American Kennel Club. They are considered intelligent, friendly and do not shed. Size and age are two important considerations when recommending proper nutrition; elderly toy poodles have their own unique problems.
Size and Diet
The three recognized sizes of poodle are the toy, 10 inches or less measured at the shoulders; the miniature, standing at 15 inches; and the standard, more than 15 inches. Each has its respective nutrition needs based upon age. The toy, however, has the unique needs of a small dog. It is important to understand the connection between toy poodles, aging and nutrition because 14-year old toy poodles cannot handle remedial therapy like younger, larger dogs. For example, a 14-year-old toy without properly maintained teeth may need a dental procedure to avoid a life-threatening infection. Elderly dogs do not fare well under anesthesia, so it Is better to maintain good dental health than repair years of neglect.
Kibble Size Matters
Toy poodles are more prone to dental problems due to tooth overcrowding.
Toy poodles are more prone to dental problems than larger poodles, according to Dr. Daniel Carmichael, a New York veterinary dental specialist and in-house dental expert at Hartz Pet Products. Carmichael said this is because toys have very small mouths which contributes to overcrowding. Thus, food gets trapped between the teeth, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. This, in turn, can cause tooth loss and infection.
The veterinary and nutrition scientists at Hills' Prescription Diet foods recommend hard kibble, which helps keep plaque under control. They have created T/D, a formula made with antioxidants and calcium that supports dental health. It is available in a "small bite" size perfect for toy poodles. Science Diet, Hartz and Greenies have all created products designed to help clean teeth when used on a regular basis.
Those concerned about their toy poodle's teeth and gums should check with their veterinarian who may recommend a dental procedure and special diet, with foods high in calcium and a routine of tooth brushing and scaling.
Geriatric Diet Concerns
With the average life span of a toy poodle 12 to 15 years, a 14-year-old is considered geriatric. It can have genetic problems like slipped stifle (joint disease), heart disease, digestive disorders, allergies, eye problems like cataracts and retinal atrophy, diabetes and epilepsy.
Commercial dog food producers now offer products that help toy poodles with specific health issues. For example, Hills W/D aids in stabilizing glucose levels in diabetic dogs. Their I/D aids in digestive disorders because it contains mixed fibers and proteins, while H/D supports heart health. There are also products for eyes, skin and bladder issues.
Science Diet Mature Health is recommended for older dogs because it helps maintain strong bones and joints as well as kidney and heart health. Fourteen-year old toy poodles can benefit from formulas containing essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
Homemade Nutrition
One pitfall with commercially-prepared dog foods is their content. They are derived from what is sometimes called the "Four-D" meats: dead, dying, diseased or disabled. Such animals cannot be put into the human food chain, but are cleared as pet food ingredients. Since many dog owners are concerned about those meats, as well as all the fillers, preservatives and additives, they are turning to homemade and natural foods.
The "bones and raw food diet" (called BARF) is one of the special dog diets gaining in popularity among dog owners. Dogs on this diet eat animal bones and raw meat. On the other end of the spectrum is the vegetarian diet. People who themselves follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may want to put their dogs on the same regimen. Since dogs are not obligate carnivores, this diet may work well for 14-year old toy poodles with skin and digestive disorders.
Supplements
Supplements come in pill form or are included in some foods.
Dog food supplements are available for toy poodles with arthritis or allergies. Similar to the vitamins people take for everything from low-energy to weight control, dog food supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin help the 14-year-old toy poodle with joint pain and stiffness. Supplements high in Vitamin E assist with skin and coat problems.
Related posts
Homemade dog food for your pit bull can offer you a healthier alternative to pre-packaged, commercial foods. If you're considering making your own dog food, be aware of what foods are better for y...
A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog bred for hunting in Africa.Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large dogs that were bred in African to help with hunting. Because of their size, Ridgebacks require a lot...
Like humans, dogs benefit tremendously in health from taking omega-3 supplements. Omega-3 helps dogs grow a shinier fur and ameliorate itchy scratchy skin. Other benefits your dog can gain from om...
Blue-nose pit bulls are happy, athletic dogs.Blue-nose pit bulls are happy, loving and athletic dogs. Pit bulls of all varieties have athletic builds and enjoy an active lifestyle. A healthy pit b...
The Rottweiler is a member of the American Kennel Club's (AKC) working group of dogs, a collection of breeds that for centuries have served people as draft animals and guard dogs. The Rottweiler i...
