So you decided that you will adopt an older dog. Congratulations, you have made the right decision. While little puppies fly from shelters, it is harder to rehome a senior dog and find a person who will be committed to giving them a quality life. However, senior dogs also come with a couple of issues. Still, we all have our baggage and learn to live with them. If you are struggling with diet and your new old dog is suffering from indigestion, you might want to find out the underlying cause. Below you will find a few of the most common ones so you can take action as soon as possible.

Bad Diet

If your dog had a rough life, chances are that they lived on various diets and don’t have the standards you would have established if you had them from an early age. If they lived on a street, chances are that they ate everything they found just to survive. If their owner didn’t look after them or didn’t have a good care regime, they might actually be hooked up on human food, and it is your job to get them on a special diet to keep them healthy. As pet owners, we are responsible for ensuring that our furry friends are getting everything they need from their food and Ultimate Pet Nutrition is a great option when researching quality pet food for your dog or cat.

Teeth and Gum Issues

In some cases, you will see that your dog is not keen on any food. Chances are that there is a bacterial infection in their mouth. It is likely to be teeth and gums if they are aged 7 or older, so you should go and see your local vet. You might also try some natural remedies, such as herbs or oils. Read more here about the different home remedies that can safely be used for older dogs.  

Kidney and Liver Issues

As your dog gets older, they might develop kidney or liver issues. This might be due to the lack of exercise, or the lack of nutrition. If you would like to find out whether or not this is affecting your rescue dog, a simple blood test at the vet surgery will give you the answers you are looking for.

Nerves

Dogs who have suffered from abuse or neglect often develop anxiety. This can have an impact on their digestion. If you would like to help your dog have a happy life as they get older, it is important that you look after their needs. Stability and routine are essential. You will have to make sure that they feel safe, supported, and cared for, and take your time when introducing new people to them.

Infections and Worms

When you get your rescue dog, basic checks are usually carried out by the pound. However, if they missed something or your dog has a less common infection, you will have to visit a specialist. Not all worms are killed by general treatments, and you might need a stronger drug if they lived with the infection for a long time.

If you are committed to giving your senior rescue dog the best life possible, you might want to look after their diet and spot digestion issues early.