As your dog ages, it’s important to be aware of the changes their body is going through, and to make changes to their care routine to ensure they stay happy and healthy. Here are six essential tips for caring for your dog as they grow older.
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Reduce stress and anxiety
Just like old folks, old dogs experience the tolls of aging. So handling stress and anxiety can be difficult for them. Make sure your older dog is living in an environment that’s calming and low-stress. While you may have had no problem with them counter surfing when they were a puppy, it’s important to discourage this behavior as their metabolism slows down because they’re more likely to end up seriously injured by eating things like chocolate or medication. Providing your senior dog with anxiety-calming chews can also be a helpful addition to their routine, promoting a sense of calm.
Keep their living space clean and free of clutter, and provide plenty of toys and chew items to keep them amused. The signs of stress may vary with each dog, but if you notice your dog panting at night, barking, or whining excessively, consult your veterinarian for underlying causes of their stress or anxiety. Also, ask for advice on how to make their environment more calming.
Watch for changes in appetite
As your dog gets older, it may start to eat less or lose interest in food altogether. This is normal, as dogs often slow down as they age. However, you should still keep an eye on your dog’s eating habits and make sure they’re getting enough nutrition. Just as humans need good nutrition as they age, so do dogs. Make sure your dog is getting the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. This may mean switching to senior dog food or adding supplements to his diet. If your dog stops eating altogether, consult your veterinarian to see if there’s a medical reason for it.
Monitor water intake
Older dogs often have trouble regulating their body temperature and can become dehydrated very quickly. Make sure to always have fresh water available for your dog and monitor their water intake closely. There are many possible reasons why your senior friend is not drinking as much as he should. Some easy solutions include adding fresh water to his food, scheduling more frequent potty breaks, or checking for underlying health problems. If your dog seems to be drinking more or less water than usual, consult your veterinarian to see if anything needs to be adjusted.
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Keep them active
As dogs enter their golden years, it is more important than ever to keep them active. Exercise helps improve mobility, helps maintain muscle mass, and can help prevent obesity. Organized canine sports like agility or fly-ball can be great ways to keep your older dog fit and stimulated. Swimming is another excellent way to get some exercise while also avoiding any injuries that might occur on land. Just make sure the water isn’t too cold. You don’t want your senior friend to get hypothermia!
Younger dogs need physical activity too, but it’s even more critical for seniors, who require daily walks to stay healthy and happy. It may take longer than usual for them to recover after strenuous activities, so be sensitive about how quickly you push them during playtime. If they seem uninterested at first, remember that an older dog doesn’t have the same energy level they used to — take it slow and easy at first until they build up their endurance.
Give them supplements
Many older dogs have special dietary needs depending on health issues such as arthritis, dental problems, kidney disease, etc. But whether your pet has any issues or not, senior dog supplements such as glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can help them remain healthy and mobile for longer. These supplements don’t need to be expensive – there are many brands that offer various types of hip & joint support, and itching relief, that you can sprinkle on their food to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need every day.
Ensure good dental hygiene
One of the most important things you can do for your dog as they age is to make sure their teeth are clean and healthy. A build-up of plaque and tartar can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can be very painful and cause other health problems. Make sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly (at least once a week) using a toothpaste meant for dogs, and give them chew toys or treats that will help to keep their teeth clean.
[Read: How to Choose the Best Type of Dog for Your Family]
Takeaway Care Tips As Your Dog Grows Older
As dogs enter their golden years, it’s important to take extra care of them and keep a close eye on any health changes. There are many things you can do to keep them active, reduce anxiety and stress, maintain good dental health, and improve their overall quality of life. With a little bit of extra love and attention, your furry friend will enjoy many happy years ahead.
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