Even if your dog looks like a puppy, aging is part of life, and there will come a time when your beloved pooch will become a senior dog after several years. Like aging human family members, taking care of senior dogs may require new care requirements.
Senior dogs are less mobile, have poorer hearing and eyesight, are more prone to diseases, and need a soft food diet. Your dog’s age will depend on its size, breed, and lifestyle. Often, smaller breeds are considered old when they are 10 years old; medium breeds around 8 years old; and giant breeds at 5 years old.
If you see telltale signs of your dog in their golden years, here are some tips on how you can care for them to make sure that they will live as comfortably as possible in your Camella Sierra Metro East home:
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Even if they’re old, dogs need exercise to get their joints and muscles moving and avoid weight gain. The type of activity and duration you may require your senior dog to do will depend on their health. If they suffer from arthritis, it is important to lessen activities that involve jumping and rough plays. Walks are sufficient.
Though aging, you want your dogs to look fresh. So make sure to groom and bathe them regularly. Regular brushing their fur will also lessen matting on their fur. During your grooming sessions, it would be best to check if your senior dog has lumps, bumps, or areas of irritation in their body and, if possible, have them checked by your veterinarian.
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Your senior dog’s organs may be failing and you might not be aware of it. To make sure that they are healthy inside out, it would be best to schedule at least yearly regular visits with your vet. You may ask your vet to do necessary tests to make sure that they feel well or inform you about what medications or other changes you may need to change to make them live healthy and longer. This is also a good opportunity for you to ask about the recommended diet for your senior dog and any food supplements that you may include in their meals.
Aging dogs are more susceptible to gum disease and cracked teeth which can cause discomfort or, worse, other oral diseases. So make sure to brush your dog’s teeth and gums regularly with a finger brush and dog toothpaste. You may also allow them to chew on dental treats and toys.
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Choose dog food that is appropriate for your dog’s age. You should also consider their weight when deciding how much you should feed them each meal per day. If your dog is overweight, it is best to choose food options to get the nutrients they need while helping them lose weight. Some vets will recommend you add fatty acids such as DHA and EPA to your dog’s diet to help with their mobility and help address their health issues and other diseases.
If you let your dogs sleep on the second floor of your home in Camella Sierra Metro East, now that they’re old, they might have difficulty going up and down the stairs, especially if you have trained them to pee and poop outside. That is why it would be best to allow them to have a special accommodation in an accessible part of your home where they only need to exert a little energy to eat, drink, poop, and pee. A cozy nook in your living room will make suitable accommodation for your pet. To make them more comfortable, you may want to invest in a special dog bed with a heating or cooling pad.
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You are your dog's world, so their love for you will never diminish, even if they are gray, deaf, and blind. To make the most out of your time together, live in the moment and create memories with them each day you can. Senior dogs can be anxious if they can’t sense you by their side, so make sure to pet them regularly each day or at least leave your garment with them during your absence.
Like taking care of your older relatives, caring for your senior dogs takes special care and patience. May your love for your senior dog be as strong as your love and attachment for them when they were still puppies.
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