(Continued from last week)
Actually, the scientific literature on the nutritional requirements of the elderly dog seems not to be copious. The Merck Veterinary Manual (8th Edition), which is the ‘bible’ for veterinarians, has categorically documented that it has not been found, from available publications, that elderly dogs have greatly different nutritional requirements from, say, middle-aged dogs. Science notwithstanding, I would think that logically, (and even common sense would so dictate) the physical changes in an old animal’s body would lead to special needs to compensate for the altered physiology. In fact, let’s face it, many owners of elderly dogs complain (and seek veterinary assistance) about constipation in their wards.
Geriatric dogs (and cats) should be monitored in a preventative health programme that includes periodic assessment of their body weight and condition. For example, one may need to introduce a special food with varying fat and fibre content in order to maintain optimal body weight and condition.
Also, it is logical to assume that there is a lot of metabolic, immunologic and body composition changes going on in the elderly dog (causing chronic, degenerative organ disease and malfunction, etc), so the earlier you detect the symptoms that reflect non-health, the earlier your vet can make the correct diagnosis, and therefore place the animal under a more effective nutritional management.
Having said all of the above, I should mention that dog food manufacturers do have laboratories and their scientists carry out extensive research that benefits not only old dogs and cats but also puppies, and young and middle-aged adults. I suppose, because of the competition that exists among the major pet food producers, the scientists are reluctant to publish their serious scientific base data. However, the end result of their research is to be found in the tins or bags of pet foods on the supermarkets shelves. We should take for granted that these scientists have produced a reliable product.
Many of these pet food manufacturing companies will, in fact, have a special diet preparation for old dogs and cats. However, it will be your vet, knowing the health status and the specific organ pathology of your elderly pet, who will be able to advise on the functional and special diet for your pet.
Since I am on the theme of pet foods, perhaps I should make some comments on these products. (If I don’t do it now, I don’t know when and where I will be able to insert these thoughts.)
There was a time when pet lovers/care-givers in Guyana used to feed their animals “Burgerbits”. (It seems everyone buying commercial pet foods knows that brand). Then such an item could not be imported – saving some foreign exchange, I am sure. Nowadays, every good supermarket has a section with a choice of pet foods not only in terms of brands, but also in terms of the consistency of the food – soft, semi-moist or hard (dry).
Next week, we will spend some time explaining the different types of food and how they could/should be used relative to your elderly pet.
Before I leave you to continue enjoying your weekend, allow me to share with you some figures on pet food products – although they do not directly have any bearing on canine geriatrics. In the USA in 1995, 3.5 and 2.1 billion dollars were spent on commercial dog and cat foods respectively. You imagine what that total must be like today, with a larger number of affluent people and more pet food manufactures getting into production and marketing.
