Review: Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy, and Comfortable

Title: Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy, and Comfortable

Faculty of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Nicholas H. Dodman BVMS (Editor), Lawrence Lindner (Contributor)

Release Date: November 22nd, 2010

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Pages: 288

Our dogs are living longer than ever thanks to enormous advances in medical treatment and a highly evolved understanding of what they need to thrive. No one knows this better than the faculty of the Cummings Veterinary School at Tufts, who treat more than 8,000 older dogs annually. Their philosophy of caring for aging dogs combines empathy for each individual dog and owner, a comprehensive approach to patient care, cutting-edge science and technology, and a commitment to innovation. Good Old Dog brings their renowned clinic into your living room, arming you with essential advice to see your dog through his golden years. Featuring• Nutritional advice —not every senior diet is right for every senior dog• Emphasis on treating conditions common to older dogs so they live longer. How to evaluate complicated procedures and decide what’s right for your dog• The cost of caring for an older dog and how to shoulder the burden• How to identify cognitive decline and how to manage it• Advice on creating a healthy and comfortable environment• How to determine when “it’s time” and how to cope with the loss• And much more.

Probably you already know that I'm a veterinary student but I am also a dog owner. Cotton is ten years old and lately he have been sick.

I have experienced the worry and sadness you feel when your beloved pet is sick. And sometimes I have to help people understand their old pets, and teach them how to take better care of them and not be afraid to go with them to the vet. We want the best for your pet.

Personally, I liked a lot this book, and think it is a good way to learn about what is normal or not about your old pet. In an easy way, they explain you about the most common sickness of ours dogs and when you should be more careful. Also, they give you advices, for example about diets, and explain you the best ways to feed your dog and maintain him healthy.

Overall, it is a good read, specially it your loved pet is growing old and you want to give him/her the best care and aren't sure how to do it. Of course, always consult with your veterinarian first.

More about this book at Goodreads and Amazon.

P.S. I just discovered there is another book about dogs, called Puppy's First Steps: A Proven Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, Well-Behaved Companion.