Your dog has likely become part of the family. And as part of the family, you will obviously want to take very good care of them as they get older. Senior dogs will require a different level of care than a younger one. To help keep your older dog healthy and happy for a long time, follow these tips on how to care for a senior dog.
The right diet is essential
An older dog will have lower energy levels than their younger counterparts. Therefore, a balanced diet is crucial to their health, especially when they run the risk of becoming obese due to less activity. Feeding your dog a high quality food that is low in fat will help them meet the nutritional needs they need. Talk to your vet to find out which brand will be the best for your dog. If he or she suffers from some type of medical condition, they may need a special type, as well. Your vet can help you decide which brand will work well for their age, breed, and condition or how to prepare balanced food for your pet at home in order for it to be both well balanced in nutrients and low in calories. Using vegetables will definitely help you to provide your god with the vitamins and nutrients essential for their age.
Make sure you keep up the exercise
Your senior dog may not be as active as they once were, but that is no reason to allow them to sleep the day away. A regular exercise routine will help your furball maintain their weight while keeping their muscles and joints limber. Since your dog is older, he or she will typically start slowing down as their energy levels decrease. Start off slowly with regular walks until you can build up to a level of exercise they are comfortable with. Make sure your dog gets some exercise every single day, even if it is less than you hoped for.
Provide joint supplements
Senior dogs very often suffer from joint pain as they age. You may notice that they lack energy and make some unusual noises as they move around, two very common signs of joint pain. They may also move slower than they once did because they are dealing with the pain. An all-natural joint supplement can work wonders for a senior dog that needs some relief. Not only will it boost their energy levels, but a joint supplement will relieve joint pain by lubricating their joints and allowing them to move around more easily. Talk to your vet to learn what joint supplements are best for your dog. Chondroitin and glucosamine are two supplements that can be very beneficial to a dog with joint disease or arthritis. Joint supplements are typically made with all-natural ingredients that are completely safe for your dog to take. If your senior is taking a prescription medication for another health issue, talk to your vet to make sure joint supplements will be ok for them to take.
Provide regular grooming needs
Senior dogs often deal with dry, irritated skin as well as a dull and brittle coat of fur as they age. You will still need to groom your senior regularly, even when they are less mobile and active. Bathe and brush your dog regularly, and use a natural shampoo that won’t irritate dry skin. Not only will your dog feel better, but regular grooming can uncover an underlying health issue if they happen to have one. If you are worried about a growth or lump that has appeared on their body, make sure to talk to your vet right away.
Keep up their oral health
Dental hygiene should always be a part of your dog’s daily routine, from a young age and on. However, many people think that it isn’t important as their dog ages, which isn’t true in the least. You should clean your dog’s teeth every day to keep them as healthy as possible. Of course, many dogs are not a fan of this practice which is why there are so many dental treats available. Don’t worry, these treats work very well! Your vet should also clean their teeth professionally once a year.
Keep up the vet visits
Don’t stop taking your dog to the vet just because they are older. When your dog ages, he or she will begin dealing with a weaker immune system. This will then make them more prone to a host of other ailments, many of them deadly. A regular check-up with your vet, even when nothing seems to be wrong, is essential. Make sure you schedule a check-up every six months once your dog becomes a senior. If anything is wrong with your dog, the vet will be able to catch it right off the bat.
