It is hard to imagine that the adorable puppy in your arms will one day be a senior dog with particular physical and mental engagement needs. Your dog may not be as swift as it once was. It may have difficulty hearing you walk through the door, or it may take a few seconds longer to get up off the floor. So, how can you keep your dog happy and healthy throughout its golden years?
How to Keep Your Senior Dog Happy and Healthy
Pets’ daily needs shift as they age. Senior dog care is quite different from puppy care, and some adaptations must be made to satisfy their mental and physical demands. Additionally, older dogs are often better suited to a calmer lifestyle and are more peaceful and well-behaved. However, their age makes them more vulnerable to health issues. Therefore, here are some simple senior dog care ideas to keep them happy and healthy.
1. Be mindful of their dietary requirements.
Dogs’ dietary requirements change as they age. Their digestive system has matured and can no longer process the same sorts or quantities of food that it once did. Therefore, choose high-quality dog food designed specifically for senior dogs, which often has fewer calories. When your pet can no longer complete its regular meal or leaves treats uneaten, it’s time to modify its daily food intake.
Furthermore, you should also monitor their gums and teeth. Senior dogs are prone to canine dental issues. If you do not care for your dogs’ dental needs, harmful germs may multiply and cause problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Therefore, you should take them to a dog dentist regularly. You can also click here to learn more about veterinary dentistry.
2. Reduce physical activity and exercise.
Although frequent walks and other physical activities benefit dogs of all ages, senior pets must take a break to avoid tiredness and health concerns such as arthritis and orthopedic disorders. You should consider taking shorter walks or skipping days if your pet is accustomed to regular walks. Additionally, you should look for fatigue indicators and cease immediately if you notice them in your pets.
3. Be on the watch for any health issues.
As a senior dog owner, you should be aware of the ailments your pet is prone to based on its breed. You’ll be able to detect health risk indicators earlier this way. In addition, at the age of eight, a dog is usually expected to have an annual checkup with a vet specializing in veterinary geriatrics. This ensures your dogs get the proper medication and maintenance they need as they age.
4. Take note of any changes in their mental condition.
Aging canines have a decline in mental health. Dementia in dogs is characterized by agitation, disorientation, circling, and restlessness. Furthermore, dementia may develop as a secondary effect of a more severe disease like a brain tumor. If your senior dog shows any of these signs, you must immediately schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. In extreme cases, veterinary operations, like veterinary surgery in Gardena, are necessary to remedy their illness.
5. Spend more time with them regularly.
Senior dogs enjoy a more tranquil and relaxed bonding session with you rather than a game of fetch that exhausts you and your pet. Allow them to sit on your lap as you watch TV or massage your pet. This reassures your pets that you are still available to them at this age.