The G in old dog care definitely is for Grooming. As your dog enters his senior years, a trip to the groomer's can a bit troublesome. As arthritis makes it difficult to get down the stairs and up into the car for the road trip, many might put off this essential task.
But grooming is essential. An older dogs skin is more sensitive and tends to be dry. Dogs toenails continue to grow and must be kept trimmed. Neglecting nail care can lead to a dog's nails catching on the carpeting or other obstacles causing injury. Long haired dogs will need the hair inside the ear canal trimmed to avoid ear mites and infections. So getting to the groomer or grooming at home is essential.
Tips for Keeping Older Dog's Groomed
1. Invest in a portable dog ramp or stairs so a trip to the groomer is easy on both you and your senior dog.
2. Find a groomer that specializes in older dog grooming. Some even offer groom-at-your-home service.
3. Learn how to groom your pet at home. By bathing, trimming and clipping at home, it can keep your pet calm and looking spiffy into his golden years.
Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com
Like people, a dog's skin can undergo changes with age. Yet that is not the only thing that can cause itchy skin problems in older dogs. 
Heartworms are a scary thought for any pet owner. A scary thought, because heartworm disease is spread in such an arbitrary manner; through the bite of a mosquito. For the owner of a senior dog, it is especially frightening because older dogs can have other health issues which make treating for the heartworm infection more risky. It is very taxing on the function of the liver, heart and kidneys of the infected older dog as the heartworms are literally poisoned with the treatment. Heartworm prevention is the best way to protect your pet. Heartworm preventative medication is given as a once a month tablet all year round to dogs in warm climate but can be given less often in areas where there are no mosquitoes in the winter months.
The G in old dog care definitely is for Grooming. As your dog enters his senior years, a trip to the groomer's can a bit troublesome. As arthritis makes it difficult to get down the stairs and up into the car for the road trip, many might put off this essential task. 
Do you have a first aid kit? Most people have one for their family's cuts and scrapes but what about for your dog. Whether at home or on the go, it's important to have a few items that might prevent a costly trip to the doggy emergency room. Emergency vet visits can be expensive. While a first aid kit cannot replace the care of a qualified veterinarian, a good canine first aid kit could be a lifesaver for your older dog!
Imagine this--You open the door after a long day to be greeted by a sullen canine and a strong odor. Your well-trained, good old dog just had an accident. The sadness in his eyes breaks your heart because he has always been so good in the past but the smell is overpowering too. The emphasis here is on OLD since senior dogs can have more bladder issues and other accidents as they age. The reality is, they just cannot help it. 
