I have been asked on a number of occasions for advice on looking after older Therapets. Should we consider retiring them at some point? What are the best ways to keep them healthy and fit?

First let us consider what we mean by an older Therapet. The old adage that one dog year is equivalent to seven human years is not very accurate. It is fairly obvious that a one year old dog is relatively more mature than the average seven year old child and is probably more of a teenager. I think that most accounts I have read suggest a comparison more as follows:

1 year old dog = 14 year old human

2 year old dog = 21 year old human

3 year old dog = 27 to 30 year old human

Thereafter small to medium breeds 1 dog year = 4-5 human years, and large to giant breeds 1 dog year = 6-7 human years.

I feel that this sort of formula is fairly accurate, although there are so many different breeds and types of dogs no formula will ever be completely accurate.

So what is my advice about combating the ageing process in our pets? I have three basic principles.

1) Just as with humans keep them active and socially interactive, so being a Therapet is probably one of the best occupations a dog could have. Equally going to dog clubs, dog shows, sponsored walks, family holidays etc will all keep, your pet young at heart.

2) Do not let your pet become overweight. If that happens you are almost guaranteeing a shorter lifespan. Most Vets and some Pet Stores have suitable scales, although for small to medium dogs weighing yourself + dog on bathroom scales and subtracting your weight is pretty accurate. If the weight is going up then Diet! Diet! Diet! There are two types of diets. The first saves you money. You must calculate everything the dog eats in a day and make a 15% reduction. If the weight does not come down make a further reduction. The second involves obtaining extreme low calorie dog food from your vet (diet is prescription only and expensive).

While exercise is always good for your dog, do not try to reduce an overweight dog by exercise. Many overweight dogs may have other health problems and you should check with your vet about exercise requirements.

3) Good dental health. This factor is not quite so obvious but most dental disease in dogs involves periodontal disease and this is a major drag on general health. I can't over emphasise the need for keeping your pet's teeth clean either with toothpaste, oral hygeine products, dentichews etc and regular check-ups.

As your dog's age increases various problems start to appear. Probably the most obvious will be (just as with humans) stiffness and occasionally severe lameness or leg weakness. There is a great deal you can do. Controlled exercise - no jumping or galloping - walking provided there is no severe lameness and swimming provided you don't need to clamber over rocks or muddy river banks to get into the water.

Have the problem assessed by your vet who may prescribe short term or long term anti-inflammatories. If these help do not assume that your dog is cured and still control the exercise. Many people advise glucosamine, chondroitin and cod liver oil. All of these probably help but the scientific evidence is pretty thin. Two hints - only a drop or two of cod liver oil is required - if you can get glucosamine hydrochloride rather than glucosamine sulphate go for it as it appears to be absorbed better by dogs but it tends to be much more expensive.

Physiotherapy can be helpful particularly if there is muscle wasting on one leg but good veterinary physios are few and far between.

The following steps are important but I am sure they are also common sense:

* dramatic change in appetite must be checked

* dramatic increase in water consumption must be checked

* any problems with vomiting or with toilet must be checked

* breathlessness, tiredness and even a mild soft cough must be checked

* all surface lumps must be checked by measurement, fine needle aspirates or biopsy

Remember old age is inevitable but the indignaties associated with it are not. Modern veterinary medicine can do a lot to extend your pet's life and quality of life. Most vets can offer to run geriatric blood tests which can often uncover some old age problems before they become apparent to their owners and when they are more easily treated.

Skin problems which also include many ear problems are more common in the young to middle aged but when your dog becomes old skin and coat quality do deteriorate and neglected ear problems come back to haunt you. You need veterinary advice on every case but regular grooming is vitally important.

I am always being asked to trim nails and in most cases it is unnecessary but in the older dog nail care is important.