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Our old dogs need love, exercise, good food, and rest.
Right around the time Richard and I got married, we decided it was time for us to get a dog. We got our first dog, Baxter, who was a maltese-chihuahua mix. At the time, every celebrity had a purse-sized dog they could take everywhere with them, and since I had never been a dog owner previously, I decided I’d start with a small dog. Well, just a few weeks later, I decided Baxter needed a friend. We found Daisy, who was about the same size and age as Baxter. She was a small black poodle-chihuahua mix. A year later, they made two babies, Chubby {who became my sister’s dog} and Junior. So in 2006, our doggy family was complete! Fast forward 12 years, and our dogs are definitely getting a little older.
Old Dogs Need Exercise
Baxter and Daisy are both turning 13 in March and Junior is turning 12. They may be getting old, but they still act like puppies sometimes. Each Saturday, we go to our community farmer’s market just a mile away from our home. It’s a very dog-friendly weekly event, so it’s fun to bring a dog with us. They seem to love walking around, meeting other dogs, getting pets from lots of children, and seeing all the sites. It’s a great way for them to get a little exercise, too. The walk through the market is probably about a quarter of mile, so it’s not too strenuous. We live on 1/3 of an acre with a large, fenced yard, so we give them lots of time to run around back there during the day, too.
Old Dogs Need Good Food
Click above to shop for Purina® Bella Small Dog Food at PetSmart!
Purina® Bella Small Dog Food is a great option for little breeds, like our chihuahua mixes. I purchased the dry food with natural chicken, turkey, carrots, and green beans and Purina® Bella Small Dog wet food with chicken and liver. Purina provides complete and balanced diets from a leader in wholesome pet nutrition, which are natural, grain-free, and contain protein. All three dogs loved it! When the time comes that they don’t seem to have the appetite to eat, you can entice them by giving them a lick mat.
Old Dogs Need Love
In some ways, our dogs have grown with me and Richard as a couple since they became part of our family just weeks after we got married. Whether it’s a snuggle on the couch or some nice pets, these three love the love. We recently thought their collars looked a bit old and they might be getting itchy or uncomfortable. Sometimes you just get a feeling you know. We decided to get a new and fresh padded leather dog collar for each. They seem to a bit more comfortable now, so I think we were right on that one. Make sure you keep an eye on your pets often, and try to detect what they can’t communicate to you.
It’s important to remind older dogs that they are a part of your family, even after human children are born. It’s also important to make sure you teach your children to be kind and respectful toward your dogs, especially as they age. My kids are great at showing all three dogs love.
Old Dogs Need Rest
Our holiday gift for the dogs this year was this new doggy bed. They love to cuddle together, all three of them, and this bed has lots of space. While they are still a peppy bunch, they also rest a lot, especially now that they are getting older. Giving them a soft space to sleep quietly during the night and throughout the day is definitely important. It’s sweet to see how much they love each other, too, when they are all laying together. If you’re planning on leaving your pet behind when you go on vacation, check out some dog daycare facilities like the one from dog boarding kennels Melbourne.
PetSmart has the widest variety of premium quality Purina products available at amazing prices.
The PetSmart shopping experience is unique because you can bring your pet in-store. Check out more Purina pet stories here! Look for the Small Dog Market on your next PetSmart shopping trip.
Old dogs need love – How do you care for your aging dog?
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