More dogs are living out their natural lives. They are getting much better care and nutrition, and their overall health is better. Because the dog's life span is extended, it becomes much more important to be aware of any health concerns, and ensure they are treated by a veterinarian.

Some dogs may go their entire lives without needing their teeth cleaned. Others may require a cleaning every six months. Regular checkups -- along with any necessary cleaning -- can virtually eliminate the need for painful and major dental work later on. Take a few minutes, once a month, to look at your older dog's teeth. The mouth is a frequent source of infection for dogs. Inflamed gums, loose teeth, or very bad breath are symptoms that should be reviewed by a veterinarian. Gentle, home brushing, perhaps with a cotton ball if the dog's gums are very tender, can be a big help towards keeping the teeth healthier *longer*!

It is a normal function of aging for a dog's coat to become drier than usual; the older dog is also more prone to allergies, rashes etc. It is therefore important to help the dog maintain a healthy coat. This can be accomplished by ensuring a proper diet, regular brushing, and bathing with a good quality, moisturizing shampoo when necessary. Brushing also provides a good opportunity to do a quick check for lumps and bumps, so common in older dogs.

Most dog foods available today come in several varieties, making it easier to pick a food that is best suited to your dog's lifestyle and age. It is important to choose a high quality food -- poor quality foods, while costing less, do not provide the required nutrition to the dog and are usually much less digestible. It may be healthier for your older dog to be on a reduced protein diet. Kidney disease is a leading cause of death in older dogs, and protein is processed through the dog's kidneys. Therefore, the more protein the dog consumes, the harder the kidneys have to work to excrete wastes from the body.

Signs of an underachieve thyroid can include flaky skin, specifically near the dog's tail, and the dog appearing chilled and needing warmth. A simple test can determine if the dog's thyroid is underachieve, and one pill a day will generally provide a quick solution.

It is not uncommon for older dogs to become arthritic in one or more of their joints. Regular, "controlled* exercise is very important, but must be done relative to the condition of the dog. If your dog can handle a one mile walk, great! If you feel the dog's joints can only handle a walk around the block, that's fine too. For many older dogs, a stroll around their own fenced backyard is enough opportunity to get the fresh air and sunshine that does them so much good.

There are many choices for pain remedies to help arthritic dogs, as well as medicines specifically aimed at putting more flexibility back into the joint. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best choice for your beloved pet.

* Older dogs are like old people and sometimes lose their body heat even when everybody else is warm enough, so they may need warmer places to sleep, sweaters to enjoy walks, etc.