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Aromatherapy and Diet: What Do These Have To Do With Your Elderly Dog?

By Tracey Peapell

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 18Mar2009 Word count: 856 Viewed: 852 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Sadly there will come a day when your dog will start to slow down. This usually happens around seven years of age depending on the breed. You might notice that he's just not as active as he used to be or that he doesn't always come when you call him. It could well be that his hearing is not so good either. It's a real shame but it happens to us all. You can help to make his final years as happy and comfortable as he deserves them to be.

So, what does Aromatherapy and his diet have to do with your aging dog? Well, firstly, lets look at Aromatherapy. I'm sure some of you are imagining your elderly dog in a bubble bath with relaxing music and candles burning all around him. It would be nice if we could pamper our dog in such a way but I think you would have your work cut out just trying to get him into the bath.

So, if not the lovely bath and candles, how can you use Aromatherapy to benefit your dog? Aromatherapy is not just candles, sweet smells and lovely music. It includes the use of pure essential oils. These oils are completely natural, as they have been extracted from plant and plant matter. Dogs of all ages are very susceptible to the healing powers of essential oils.

Many older dogs can suffer from arthritis. Massaging your dogs aching muscles will do wonders for his mobility and general well being. Try making up a blend of chamomile (5 drops), lavender (4 drops) and black pepper (3 drops) essential oils mixed with 1oz (30ml) of a light carrier oil such as sweet almond or sunflower. For best results, massage into aching muscles twice daily. Ensure your dog gets to sleep inside the house in a warm soft bed as this will help too particularly in colder climates.

You'll probably notice that your dog just doesn't have as much energy as he once had either. Essential oils can also help in this area by boosting their energy levels. When certain oils are massaged into your dog's spine it can have a tremendous effect on him. In some cases such an effect that it is best to only do this in the mornings so it has worn off by bedtime.

There are many other ways in which Aromatherapy can help with your aging 'best friend' but lets take a look at his diet. Most dogs will lose some of their appetite as they get older and they just won't want to eat as much. Sometimes it can be a good thing, if the dog is overweight and needs to trim down. But generally speaking, it is a concern that most dog owners will have to deal with. On the other side of the coin though some dogs will want to eat more and this is equally as worrying for owners particularly if the dog does have arthritis, as any extra weight will make it even harder for him to get around.

If your dog isn't as keen on the food you offer him you could try some of the commercial brands of dog food that are especially made for older dogs. Some of these foods are more expensive than the usual dog foods but it could well be worth the added expense if your dog will eat it. If you invest in a good brand it should have all the necessary vitamins and minerals that his aging body will need. It's a good idea to get your dog checked by a vet to see if he is getting enough vitamins and if not a supplement should be added to his daily diet.

Some people find that their dogs will only eat raw foods in their latter years and this is fine as long as he is getting the vitamins he needs. This diet is called the BARF diet (bones and raw food diet) and more and more people are turning to this diet to please their dogs waning appetite. Not only do they eat raw meats and bones but vegetables too, usually pureed making it easier for the older dog to chew. This diet is full of nutrients so added vitamins may not be necessary. Again, check with your vet first.

If your dog is used to eating dry kibble and suddenly is not so keen or simply struggles to eat it, try buying the smaller kibble and adding some water to soften it up a little. You should check out his teeth though as this could be the reason he is having trouble eating it. Teeth and gums get old too and they could be sore, another thing for your vet to assess.

Your dog has given you many years of good companionship and love, now's not the time to overlook his special needs. Pamper him and feed him what he wants and needs and I guarantee he will love you for it and you will have the comfort of knowing you helped your dog enjoy his final years.

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