Aging is a normal part of life and at some point all dogs become seniors. The most important thing to know is that older dogs have different care needs than young dogs. As a dog gets older they become less mobile, their hearing and vision are not as good as they used to be and they are more susceptible to various diseases. Still, aging is not a death sentence and dogs can spend their golden years healthy and happy. Here are some tips for taking care of your senior dog.
1. Watch for behavioral changes Your dog can't talk, but the behavior can give you clues about his/her health. While an older dog may be less active by nature, paying attention to unusual behaviors can help you solve problems early. Watch out for characters like:
Also read:This is how you deal with a dog's moulting period
2. Schedule regular vet visits Your vet can advise you on the best routine, but whether that's every three months or just once a year, it's important to take your dog to the vet. Regular medical examinations give you and your dog the advantage in detecting age-related health problems.
3. Change the eating pattern
Older dogs are less active and therefore need fewer calories. This is especially important because weight gain can cause or exacerbate many health problems. Talk to the vet again to make sure you know what to eat for your dog.
4. Keep moving Like humans, dogs need regular exercise as they get older. Your dog may not jump like he used to, or run after the ball like he used to, but exercise keeps joints healthy, weight down and mental stimulation going.
5. Look for signs of arthritis Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs. Contact your vet if you notice any of these symptoms for an extended period of time:
The vet can prescribe anti-inflammatories, but you can also take measures to ease your dog's pain, such as special food or low-impact exercises.
6. Make your home senior dog friendly
Your dog may not be able to move around as easily as before, but you can make changes in the environment that can help him.
7. Be patient
Older dogs may experience 'vision and/or hearing loss'. Give them extra time to go around the house or for a walk.
8. Help them stay clean
As your dog gets older, he/she may struggle to keep themselves clean and cared for. Help keep teeth clean by brushing them regularly. Use a brush to gently keep the coat neat and clean. Give a nice bath regularly.
9. Be aware of the signs of cognitive dysfunction
As your dog gets older, he/she may become confused and anxious. Other common symptoms of cognitive impairment include:
You can help them by keeping a strict activity schedule, such as eating, walking and sleeping.
10. Focus on quality of life Your dog may not be able to take those long walks anymore, but can still enjoy them in old age. You know your dog (and what he/she would like) better than anyone. Give him/her extra cuddle time on the couch. Buy favorite treats. Talk to him/her more often. Your dog's later years can be beautiful. And the more quality time you can spend together, the better the quality of her/his life will be.
