The Dog Age Test measures your dog's biological age in people years, based on your dog's health, breed, risk of disease, and behavior. You'll also receive personalized recommendations to help your dog grow younger!

Dog Food and Nutrition Your Dog's Diet

Obesity in dogs is becoming a growing canine health concern. In a recent study, overfeeding dogs with an all-meat diet caused obesity and as many as 25% of dogs seen by veterinarians are overweight or obese. Excess caloric intake can lead to obesity. Obesity is associated with many health risks including musculoskeletal problems, diabetes, and respiratory problems.

Although avoiding obesity is the best approach to lifelong health, if your dog is overweight, your veterinarian can recommend a safe, effective weight loss program that includes a reduced calorie diet. The best diet for your dog is one that is low in calories. By controlling caloric intake, you can make your dog up to 15 Dog age years younger.

Choosing the Right Dog Food:

With so many brands and types of dog food at the market, it might be a daunting task deciding on which type will be right for your dog. For example, a puppy requires different nutrients compared to an adult dog. A working dog has different nutritional needs than a lap dog.

Pet foods can be distinguished more generally based on criteria of cost, place of purchase, nutrient density (number of calories per pound) and, to a lesser degree, palatability and digestibility. Super premium, premium, and non-premium products can all offer 100% complete and balanced nutrition. The characteristics of products vary from one manufacturer to another.

Use this list to help decide which type of dog food is best for your pet:

Specialty or super premium products generally are sold in pet specialty stores and veterinarian offices, carry higher prices, and are usually more energy dense, or have more calories per pound of food. Overfeeding with these products can lead to weight gain faster than products with a lower caloric value.

Premium products are traditionally sold at grocery stores but also are available in pet specialty outlets. These types of products are moderately priced. They are generally lower in caloric value compared to super premium products. Check the label.

Store brand products are pet foods sold under the store's name as opposed to a national brand name. These foods are designed to offer similar guarantees, ingredients, and performance to the nationally advertised brands at a lower price.

Dry food has less moisture and more calories than wet food, so your dog requires less food in order to meet his or her nutritional needs.

Canned (wet) food contains more water so it has less calories than dry food. Because canned foods contain more water, it may be difficult for large breed dogs to meet their energy needs before feeling full.

Breed size food (large breed vs. small breed) contains nutrient (fat, protein, carbohydrate, minerals, etc.) levels that are appropriate for a specific breed size's metabolism and life stage. For example, some large breed puppy formulas are scientifically formulated to help large breed puppies grow at a normal rate to develop strong bones and joints. Some small breed formulas are developed to provide concentrated nutrition in small, bite-size kibbles that meet a small breed puppy's high metabolic needs. Although some original puppy formulas are appropriate for puppies of all breed sizes and provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition, they are most appropriate for those puppies that will be neither very small nor very large at maturity.

Puppy food is rich in nutrients, such as protein, and calories, which are necessary for growing puppies. These products contain appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus to help support healthy bone and joint development.

Adult food contains the appropriate levels of nutrients that adult dogs need. It is generally not appropriate for pregnant and lactating dogs.

Senior food is specifically formulated for dogs over the age of 7. Senior dogs are not necessarily less active or overweight, but they do have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs. Senior diets should contain increased protein levels to help maintain muscle mass and support a healthy immune system.

Weight management food is generally high in protein and fiber and lower in calories and fat content compared to an adult maintenance food. The high protein levels help dogs lose fat and not muscle, while high fiber levels help dogs feel satisfied while losing weight.

Performance food is specifically formulated for hardworking and highly active dogs.

Homemade dog food runs the risk of containing too much fat for most dogs' needs. Diets high in fat could increase your dog's risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate.

People Foods: Are They Safe

There is much controversy over what dogs should eat for canine health, proper nutrition and wellness. Some groups believe that feeding dogs raw red meat and bones is the best; some groups believe natural homemade dog food is best; others will claim any dog food will do.

DogAge recommends sticking to mostly a dog food diet to ensure proper nutrition for all stages of your dog's life. Dogs are omnivorous--they enjoy meat and vegetables. To ensure that your dog receives the proper nutrients, choose a dog food that states it provides a 100% complete and balanced diet.

DogAge advises against feeding your dog raw meat, due to the risk of bacteria and cysts that might be present in uncooked meat. Dogs who eat mostly table scraps or homemade dog foods tend to consume too much fat and not enough nutrition, and therefore have older DogAges.

Some people foods, however, are OK for dogs in moderation (no more than 10% of the total diet) such as:

Vegetables: Most veggies are OK for dogs, either raw or cooked. Stay away from onions and garlic because they can cause anemia in dogs.

Rice and pasta: Low in fat and calories, these foods make great treats. Use these to add some bulk for weight control diets.

Cooked meats without bones: Small amounts of cooked red meat may be OK when fed occasionally and in moderation. Remember that cooked meats can be high in fat and do not contain the proper balance of nutrients your dog requires.

Dairy products: Dairy products, such as cottage cheese, low-fat yogurt, and hard-boiled eggs are OK when fed in moderation.

Fruits: Dogs will eat both fresh and dried fruits. Stick with apples, berries, bananas, and seedless watermelon. Don't let your dog eat too much! Too much fruit may upset your dog's digestive system.

Foods to keep away from your dog are:

Sweets: Under any circumstances, DO NOT let your dog eat chocolate. The chemical theobromine contained in chocolate is toxic to canines and even in small amounts can prove to be fatal.

Uncooked red meat and bones: Uncooked meats may contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and cysts, which may make your dog sick. Bones may be dangerous because they can splinter and puncture your dog's gastrointestinal tract.

Chicken and turkey bones are a potential hazard for your pooch. These small bones can splinter and puncture the stomach or intestines, or cause choking.

Grapes and raisins can be toxic to canines if eaten in large amounts.

Onions and garlic can cause anemia in dogs.

Portion Size

Recent studies indicate that managing your dog's weight can lead to a longer, healthier life. Dogs typically will eat 25% more than they need, which can lead to obesity and illness.

Using the amount stated on the back of the dog food package is a good guide for measuring the right amount of dog food. Use a scoop or measuring cup instead of filling the dog bowl to the top. This will help control the quantity and keep your dog slim. If your dog still seems hungry, talk to your veterinarian about the proper amount for your dog. If your dog becomes disinterested in the food before it is gone, take it away, and provide less food next time.

Exercising Your Dog Enough Exercise

Figuring out how many times per day your dog should get physical activity depends on your dog's breed, age, and health. Some require short walks around the block while others require hours of running and playing. Even senior dogs enjoy getting outside after spending a day indoors. In general, make sure your dog exercises or plays actively at least 3 times per day for at least 15 minutes each time.

Exercising Your Dog Best Types of Exercise

Keeping your dog lean and healthy can add years to his life. Changing daily activities is recommended to keep your dog interested in exercise and to prevent boredom. Need ideas. Use the following list of exercise activities to maintain dog health:

Playing at the park is great exercise for your dog and you! Also, time spent exercising together will strengthen the bond between you and your pooch.

Playing catch with your pooch provides great exercise for him. Remember to give him or her praise for his or her accomplishments.

Keeping your dog entertained with toys might help cut down on house or lawn damage. Busy dogs are less likely to cause household problems than bored dogs.

Dogs love to interact with other dogs and need to have their own time for doggie play.

Swimming is a great activity that will increase your dog's cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, and strength. Dogs that suffer joint diseases or have injuries also will benefit from this type of low-impact workout.

Daily walks with your dog will get you both moving and offer more time for owner-pet bonding.

Dog Safety Your Dog and the Outside World

When transporting dogs in vehicles, walking them in parks, or keeping them outside on your property, dogs can encounter people, other animals, or dangerous materials. Taking a few precautions can reduce your dog's risk of finding trouble.

Transportation. Crates and/or carriers are the safest way to transport your dog in all types of vehicles. If a carrier is not available, try one of the following restraints: a harness with a seat belt; screens (to fence off an area in a car or truck); or a regular leash attached to the armrest.

Caution: pickup leashes can lead to a dog's death by strangulation.

Walking: The safest way to walk your dog in public is on a leash. Leashes come in many different styles and lengths. Short leashes are recommended for busy and congested streets so you can keep him or her close to your side. Longer leashes can be used at parks or beaches.

Fences: Securing your property is the safest way to control your dog's environment. Fences will keep him or her on your property and keep other dogs or strangers out. Fences vary by type, from the standard wooden fence to invisible electronic devices.

Dog Safety Training Your Dog

Well-behaved dogs are happier dogs and so are their owners. Most undesirable behaviors can be changed with a strict training program. A well-trained and disciplined dog, one who is able to perform various tasks as well as provide personal and home protection, is an asset to his or her owner.

Proper training can fix most behavioral problems such as:

Aggression with people or other dogs

Excessive barking, growling, jumping, and/or biting

Separation anxiety

Home or yard destruction

Begging, stealing, or whining for food

Escaping and chasing cars

Not responding to commands

Common Dog Infections Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infections usually occur in dogs when they are around a large number of other dogs, such as when they are boarded in kennels. Exposure to dust, mold, pollution, and smoke can also affect the dog's respiratory functions. A persistent dry cough and fever could indicate an infection and a veterinarian should be contacted.

Respiratory infection medications include cephalexin and doxycycline.

Skin Problems or Infection

One of the most common veterinarian complaints is irritated skin, which could be due to an allergic reaction or a skin infection. Dogs react to allergens in a different way than humans; instead of nasal symptoms, dogs react with skin problems. Pollen, dust, mold, shampoos, and carpet cleaners can all cause allergic reactions. Indications that your dog might be experiencing a skin infection and/or an allergy are poor coat texture, itching, chewing, and hot spots.

Bacterial skin infections and hormonal skin diseases also affect the dog's skin. Oral antibiotics and preparations can be used to control these conditions. Veterinarian visits are in order if symptoms persist.

Urinary Tract Infection or Urinary Tract Problems

Like humans, dogs can suffer from urinary tract infections or problems. Symptoms include urinating frequently and producing small amounts of urine; crying or straining when urinating; and desiring to go outside often to urinate. If your dog shows these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for appropriate treatment. If it is due to bacteria, your veterinarian will prescribe appropriate antibiotics.

Urinary tract medications for dogs include cephalexin and enrofloxacin.

Parasitic Conditions Heartworm

Heartworm is a disease in dogs that is spread by mosquitoes, causing damage to many organs, respiratory problems, and heart failure. This disease is not easily detected so a veterinarian should determine whether your dog is heartworm-free.

You can easily prevent heartworm. Start treatment when a dog reaches 12 weeks of age. Regularly administer daily, monthly, or yearly medications. Some heartworm pills also prevent intestinal parasites and include a flea prevention component. Many brands are available by prescription: Filaribits, Heartgard, Interceptor, Iverhart Plus, Revolution, and Sentinel.

The generic names for heartworm medications for dogs include diethylcarbamazine citrate, ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, and selamectin.

Parasitic Conditions Intestinal Worms

Intestinal worms, including tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms, can cause dog health problems such as diarrhea, weight loss, dry hair, and vomiting. In some cases, there are no symptoms and the worms can be passed from mothers to offspring during pregnancy.

There are many types of intestinal worms:

Tapeworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. Dogs contract tapeworm by licking and swallowing fleas that are carrying tapeworm eggs.

Hookworms and whipworms can cause anemia by sucking large amounts of blood from the intestinal wall vessels of dogs.

Roundworms are particularly dangerous because they can infect humans; they infect children more often than adults.

Regular de-worming preparations (once per month) for dog health care can control and eliminate most parasitic worm infestations.

Worm medications for dogs include ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, nitroscanate, and praziquantel.