5 Ways To Care For Your Senior Dog

As dogs get older, both their physical and emotional requirements will change. Even though your senior dog may not run as fast, jump as high, or play as long as it once could, it can still live a happy and healthy life with adequate care. Aging is a part of every living being’s life cycle; however, by learning what you need to do to support your senior dog, you can help them remain healthy and continue to experience a good quality of life.

Older dogs typically need extra care because they are at a greater risk of developing various age-related diseases, including arthritis, dental disease, eye problems, kidney disease, and cardiovascular (heart) disease. Owners can ensure their senior dogs remain active and content through appropriate nutrition, regular vet care, proper levels of daily exercise, and a comfortable environment. There are five key ways you can take care of your senior dog.

1. Schedule Regular Veterinary Checkups

Regular veterinary care is a key part of keeping your senior dog healthy. As dogs get older, they often have hidden problems that will require some form of treatment. If you take your dog to a regular vet visit, it allows them to see if there is anything wrong with your pet (and correct it) so that when the problem gets bad enough and more difficult to treat. At each senior wellness exam, the veterinarian evaluates the general condition of your dog, including their body weight, joints, teeth, heart, and overall condition.

In addition to a physical examination, blood work and urinalysis may be performed on your dog during the wellness exams. These diagnostic tests help the veterinarian assess how well your dog’s organs are functioning and whether any diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or others, have developed internally.

2. Provide a Balanced and Nutritious Diet

A good quality diet is important for assisting your mature dog’s evolving nutritional needs. Metabolism in older dogs can be slower than that of younger dogs. In addition, many older dogs will need less energy (calories) than do younger dogs. Over-feeding an older dog could cause them to become overweight. Being overweight puts additional stress on a dog’s joints. An overweight dog may also experience decreased mobility.

Older dog diets are formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional requirements and promote healthy aging. Senior dog foods typically include adequate amounts of high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and other ingredients that help maintain joint health.

Additionally, some older dogs may have special dietary requirements due to existing health-related concerns. For example, if your older dog has kidney disease, congestive heart failure, etc., you should consult your veterinarian about a suitable diet for your pet. It is recommended that when introducing new foods to your dog, you do this slowly so that it does not upset your dog’s stomach. Excessive treats could add to unhealthy weight gain in your older dog.

3. Keep Your Senior Dog Active With Gentle Exercise

Although senior dogs may slow down with age, they still need to stay physically active. Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength in your dog; it helps support joint movement by helping keep joints flexible (reducing stiffness); prevents obesity; and provides mental stimulation.

The type and amount of exercise needed for a senior dog should be determined by the dog’s breed, health conditions, and age. Walking, playing gently, and swimming are often good options because these activities provide physical activity without placing excessive stress on the joints.

If arthritis or mobility issues exist in your dog, instead of long walks, consider providing several shorter walks throughout the day. Never engage your dog in an activity that causes pain or exhaustion. Allow your dog plenty of rest time after each activity.

4. Create a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment

Senior dogs typically experience changes to their environment as they age, which can assist with common everyday tasks. Arthritis, loss of eyesight, and loss of coordination are all factors that will increase the difficulty for senior dogs in movement.

Senior dogs need a supportive orthopedic bed designed to support their joints and allow proper resting. The sleeping area needs to be warm, quiet, draft free.

Older dogs may have trouble walking on slippery surfaces because they may have arthritic hips or legs. Placing rugs or non-slip mats down on slick floor surfaces will greatly aid in providing a stable surface for your senior dog to walk on, while reducing the chance of your dog falling.

Use easy-access feeding and watering dishes and do not place critical objects at locations requiring a climb up stairs or a jump over an obstacle. Ramps may be used if your dog has difficulty going up the stairs or entering the vehicle. A well laid out space provides your senior dog with independence and lessens unnecessary stress.

5. Maintain Dental Care and Regular Grooming

Dental health becomes a greater priority in the aging process for all dogs. Tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth infection are common issues that many seniors experience. They can lead to discomfort while eating, pain, and negatively impact general health.

Veterinarians recommend regularly brushing your dog’s teeth, along with giving them dental chews and having their teeth professionally cleaned.

In addition to providing for their dental health, grooming is an essential component of caring for a senior dog. As dogs age, they often find it difficult to groom themselves, and therefore their skin and coat will change. Brushing helps to remove dead hair, reduces matting, and enables you to visually inspect for any lumps, redness on the skin, etc.

Check the ear area, nail area, paw pads, and skin during every grooming session. The earlier an abnormality is detected, the less likely it is to become a serious problem.

Conclusion

It takes additional time, effort, and compassion to properly care for a senior dog. Although there will be some differences due to the aging process, if given proper care through nutrition, gentle exercise, a comfortable living environment, and regular grooming, your dog can live out his golden years comfortably and happily.

Older dogs still bring companionship, loyalty, and love into the lives of their owners. With adjustments to meet their changing needs, owners can significantly enhance the quality of life of their beloved pet.