(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
