Even though it is sometimes hard to realise that your dog is not a puppy anymore, they too get old. Their movements slowing down, having difficulties getting up on your bed or poorer eyesight/hearing are just normal symptoms of ageing. But this doesn’t mean your dog can’t still have a happy and active life! Take a look at these tips on how to take care of a senior dog to keep giving your furry friend the quality of life they deserve.
Adapt their diet
Older dogs have less energy than puppies – that’s a no brainer. However, it is easy to forget that with lower levels of activity the risk of gaining weight and developing obesity increases. At the same time, fatty or processed foods are harder to digest and can lead to inflammation, coronary disease…
It’s really important to maintain your dog’s good health by making appropriate changes to their diet. A good example of a nutritious diet for senior dogs is Bella & Duke’s range of raw dog food. But of course, it is best to check with your vet to make an informed decision when it comes to your dog’s diet.
You can also check my post on how to stop your dog from gaining weight.
Set up regular vet check-ups
As it happens with humans, when dogs get older their immune system starts to weaken a little. But, unlike humans, dogs can’t always express when they are not feeling at their best.
There are many diseases or conditions that can affect your dog without you realising it. This is why it’s important to visit the vet at least twice a year just for a routine check-up when your dog gets older. It’s the easiest way of making sure everything’s under control.
Physical and mental exercise
Even if your dog seems a bit more lethargic now that they’re mature, that doesn’t mean they have to stop exercising; if anything, it means that you should encourage them more to stay active.
Keep taking your dog to walks and play time to keep their joints and muscles strong. Use games like hide-and-seek or puzzle toys to keep them mentally sharp as well. Believe me when I say that you will enjoy this time together as much as your poochie.
Regular grooming and teeth health
A senior dog may not be as flexible as a younger dog, which could make it tougher for them to groom themselves. Their coat can also suffer from the signs of ageing, and they could suffer from dry or irritated skin. So, grooming sessions need to happen more often from now on, including brushing and baths. If you do them at home, it’s also a perfect time to check for lumps or changes in your dog’s body.
When it comes to oral health, older dogs tend to develop gum disease and their teeth could crack – some dogs even lose their teeth. This is something that a good diet could help avoid, but it is worth start brushing your dog’s teeth.
Pay attention to any behavioural changes
As much as we love them, we don’t always understand what our dogs may be going through – it’s a shame that they can’t talk to us! With senior dogs, it’s really important to pay close attention to any changes in behaviour, in order to avoid bigger issues in the future.
Fortunately, thanks to the advances in veterinarian medicine, dogs can now live their lives to the fullest for many, many years. And even though taking care of a senior dog takes a little more effort than living with an adult dog, the experience is just as rewarding.