At some point, the over-enthusiastic and ever-curious pup will get old. Considering the camaraderie they share with the family members, it might come as a surprise how quickly the transformation took place. Nevertheless, senior dogs are equally special. In these years, they become calmer, wiser, and even more loyal. Just like humans, dogs also change as they age. Being a responsible pet parent, we must contribute our bit to help them lead a life filled with comfort and joy.
Understandably, as dogs get older, they will start slowing down and face new health challenges. Furthermore, it will be more likely to enjoy its sleep than trying to nudge its owners to go out for active sessions. Therefore, here are some handy tips that pet parents can utilize to take good care of their senior dogs.
Understanding the timeline (when should you regard the dog as senior)
Preliminarily, you must understand when to consider the dog as a “senior,” as it can vary by breed and size.
- Small breeds: The smaller breeds are known to live longer and aren’t considered senior until they reach the 10-year mark.
- Medium breeds: They attain senior status when they are around 8-9 years old.
- Large breeds: The larger ones tend to have a shorter life span and age faster. Therefore, they reach the seniority status in around 6-7 years.
- It does help knowing the time when your dog has reached the senior level. Now, you are ready to anticipate the changes in its behavior and adjust care routines accordingly.
Knowing when your dog has reached this stage helps you anticipate changes and adjust care routines accordingly.
Nutrition for senior dogs
Consider diet in playing a crucial role in maintaining health when the dog reaches seniority. Follow these tips for good results:
- Choose age-appropriate food: Look around, and you should find formulas labeled for senior or mature dogs. These contain the appropriate balance of protein and other nutrients with fewer calories.
- Take care of its weight: If senior dogs become obese, it can lead to a wide array of health issues. Arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease are some of the common health problems that can surface due to obesity, so keep an eye on maintaining the ideal body weight.
- Support joint health: As dogs age, their joints tend to become vulnerable. Thus, you should choose foods or supplements that take good care of your joints. Formulas that include glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help in this aspect.
- Hydration is crucial: Older dogs are generally prone to dehydration. Therefore, ensure fresh water is always kept near them.
- Vet consultation: Keep in touch with the vet. Ask for their suggestions before making any major dietary changes. It becomes all the more important if the senior dog already has existing health conditions.
- Periodic checkups at the vet’s office: With growing age, health issues would surface rapidly and progress even faster. Considering these factors, bi-annual checkups are a must. During the examinations, special attention must be given to check the liver, kidney, thyroid function, and dental health. If the vet detects early symptoms, initiating proper treatment can prove helpful.
Exercise for senior dogs
As dogs age, they will naturally lose their energy and will not sprint like they used to do earlier. However, it isn’t a good idea to allow them to lead a sedentary life. Movement for them is still essential to ensure a healthy life. Low-impact exercises such as leisurely walks, swimming, scent training, or simple fetching games can help.
However, one should avoid high-impact activities like long-distance running or jumping, as they can take a heavy toll on one’s energy and health. Lastly, plan exercise activities accurately. For instance, breaking activities into shorter and more frequent sessions can be a good option.
Making them feel comfortable at home
Now, it is time to introduce a few changes in your home that make it more senior-dog friendly. Remember, when the dog was a pup, it would run around places and would hardly want to settle. At this stage, it would be a complete role reversal, and their motion would be much slower. These tips can prove to be of some help to them:
- Provide a soft orthopedic bed, and it will help their joints from aching.
- You can also use ramps or steps to help them reach their favorite spots without the need for jumping.
- Always be mindful of keeping their essentials like food, water, and sleeping areas accessible.
- Take special care so that the floors are not slippery. You can bring in rugs or mats to minimize the chances of them falling.
Mental stimulation for senior dogs
Like physical exercises, mental stimulation is equally necessary regardless of the dog’s age. For senior pros, puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can keep their minds active. You can also go for short training sessions, which will help it memorize old commands. Being friendly and keeping them with others will help the dog to socialize, and it can often be a mood booster for these lovable pets.
Common health issues in senior dogs
Here are some common health issues that may develop in senior dogs:
- Arthritis: It is common for all dog breeds, and it can cause stiffness, limping, and it would not want to move easily.
- Hearing and vision loss: Keep an eye on your dog if it is bumping into things or not responding to your calls. It can be a sign of hearing and vision loss.
- Cognitive decline: Signs like disorientation, changes in sleeping patterns, and increased anxiety are also common in senior dogs.
- Heart disease: Watch out for symptoms like coughing, difficulty in breathing, or unexplained fatigue; these can be early signs of cardiac issues in dogs.
- Kidney disease: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss can be symptoms of kidney disease.
By being aware early, you can spot these signs and rush to a vet for the appropriate remedy.
Emotional support and bonding
At this stage of its life, your favorite companion will lose much of its energy, but you can do the needful and establish the bonding further. You can consider spending quiet time together. Accompany it with gentle brushing, belly rubs, and talking non-stop. You also need to show patience whenever you spot any changes in its behavior, as it can be a result of a specific health issue.
Very soon, you will discover that caring for your senior dog has become your privilege. Probably, they are ageing and losing their charm, but you can help them enjoy a few more years of life by following this guide.