I've heard old age can be "ruff". I'm still young, but I'm already planning for retirement. Just how does a puppy plan for senior years? And what can be done for unprepared retirees? Well, since we're not too concerned about our bank accounts, we focus on the only thing that matters: health. Of course, we need the help of our people along the way. Without you, our dreams of glorious golden years are futile.

So what can you do? As a first step, determine when your dog will become a senior citizen. It differs among breeds. Your vet can tell you when you should consider your dog to be in the senior category.

Smart puppies get on the right track early by eating right. Even senior citizens benefit greatly from a healthful change in diet. Feed your dog food that does not contain controversial preservatives like ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT. Avoid food that is corn-based or contains digest or byproducts. Give treats that adhere to the same guidelines.

Supplements can be of real benefit to young and old pups alike. My favorites are glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health. There are so many ways we can take these supplements – even in the form of flavored treats! Other supplements like digestive enzymes can help those of us who have tummy troubles. Talk to your vet and do your own digging to learn what supplements might be helpful for your four-legged friend.

Dental health is another major component of our well-being. It's not just a nice gesture to brush our teeth, it's imperative. Dental decay is a critical (and critically expensive) problem if allowed to advance. Unfortunately, no amount of specialty biscuits – green or any other color – can take the place of proper dental care.

Comfort is also important. Just like people, we have aches and pains as we age. A well-padded bed can be a haven for any dog at any stage of life, but for seniors it's a must. And, just like people, a dog's energy isn't what it used to be in early years. Keeping your dog active is very important, but pushing too far is dangerous. Pay close attention to your dog's panting or pace during activities. Think also about how comfortable your dog is when he or she eats. You may want to provide a raised feeding station.

And finally, by all means, exhaust every avenue before "putting us down." A tragic reality is that seniors are often taken to shelters or forced to leave this life simply because they have become inconvenient. Just like aging human family members, we deserve to be pampered in our later years – even if it means extra time and attention. There are wonderful stories of dogs who have lived many years beyond a recommendation to be put down. I know several dogs, for instance, who have used custom carts (www.handicappedpets.com) to give them mobility and a new lease on life when their legs have failed.

I, of course, have a fool-proof aging plan. It involves immediate retirement marked by egregious amounts of biscuits that I will enjoy from my own king-sized bed in my own bedroom nestled in my own 400-thread-count sheets. For some odd reason, my people are ignoring it.

Albert, a Jack Russell Terrier, is Chairman of the Board of Wylie Wagg, a shop for dogs, cats, and their people, in Middleburg and Fairfax.