Senior Dog Care
We all get older
and slower. Humans and canines alike eventually show signs of aging. These signs can be visible like
greying hair or even just the fact that you realize your dog is sleeping more
often.
While some breeds age more quickly than others, most
dogs are considered "seniors" between seven and ten years. To help
ensure your beloved pet goes through his golden years comfortably, there are
simple things you can do.
Your dog has, after all, given you love and support,
and now it is your turn to show how much you care.
Make Some Dietary Changes
Dietary recommendations change as your dog gets older.
It's more than just watching their weight. You need to be more conscious of
their eating frequency and the type of food given.
Older dogs should be fed a smaller amount of food on a more
frequent schedule. Feed them the same amount of food daily as normal, just
break up the feedings, spreading it out over four meals throughout the day.
Some older dogs are prone to intestinal upset, and
feeding them smaller meals more frequently can help prevent this problem.
Older dogs are more affected by added weight, so it is
important to watch their weight and to help them lose any excess pounds.
Overweight older dogs are at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
Most veterinarians recommend pet owners start using a
senior food low in fat and high in protein when the pet is seven years of age,
but that can depend on the breed.
You should also
ask your vet about any additional nutritional
supplements appropriate for your dog's breed
and age. German shepherds, for example, are prone to joint problems early on.
Regular Vet Visits
Senior dogs should see a vet for a thorough wellness
check semi-annually. Your vet will check your senior dog's eyes, mouth, teeth,
skin, fur, ears, and heart. There are also routine screening tests for early
detection of a variety of common older age problems such as:
·
Arthritis and
other degenerative joint diseases
·
Diabetes
·
Prostate and breast cancers
·
Liver and
kidney problems
Unusual behaviors that require an immediate
appointment include the following:
·
Shortness of
breath or continual coughing
·
Urinary
incontinence, diarrhea, or constipation
·
Weakness or stiffness
·
Changes in weight or appetite
·
Uncommon
aggression or strange unexplained behavior changes
Your vet can
help you monitor your aging pet's needs so that you can keep your dog
comfortable and in the best health possible. And don't forget about your loved
one's teeth while at the vet. A professional cleaning can help your pet eat and chew more comfortably.
Making Your Senior Dog More Comfortable
Luckily, there are several easy things you can do to
help your senior dog enjoy the later years.
Senior dogs are more vulnerable to the weather by
nature, so it is important they don't spend too much time exposed to heat, cold
and humidity. Older dogs just can't handle the temperatures they once did.
An orthopedic bed can help your senior dog rest more
comfortably and sleep more deeply. Dog
ramps will help your arthritic pet get up and down
places that used to be easy.
Think about rearranging the furniture to make it
easier for your dog's weakening eyesight. Keeping clutter off the floor removes
obstacles, which also decreases anxiety.
Some larger breeds would benefit from using a raised
feeder so that they can reach their food and water easily.
Even just providing an additional blanket will help
make your pet more comfortable. Don't forget, your 12-year-old dog is 77 years
old in human age.
Our dogs provide us with years of love and loyalty,
the least we can do is help make them comfortable for as long as we can.
