How to Care For a Senior Dog
Understanding how to care for a senior dog is an important part of ensuring they live their golden years to the fullest! As our furry friends age, their needs naturally evolve; and since dogs can’t communicate those needs, it’s important to make your best effort to keep your companion comfortable, happy, and safe.
Even as dogs begin to slow down, their love for life’s little adventures certainly remains as strong as ever! At this stage of life, you’ll need to take a slightly different approach to make sure their overall wellbeing is looked after. From tweaking their daily exercise and diet to making minor adjustments around the home, a few simple changes can make a world of difference.
In this blog, we’re discussing the best ways to support your older dog, ensuring they remain healthy and content, so that they can continue to spread their joy to you and your family!
Important Health Considerations
Regular vet check-ups become increasingly important as your dog gets older. These visits are vital for monitoring any underlying conditions, adjusting medications, and discussing potential solutions to ensure they keep moving comfortably.
Aside from visits to the vets, you should also make sure you keep your own tabs on your dog - after all, you’re the one who spends the most time around them! It’s crucial to look out for any physical or cognitive changes in your pet, such as sudden weight loss, lethargy, or confusion. Click here to discover some of the signs your senior dog needs a vet checkup.
If there have been any major health changes to their life, it’s worthwhile updating their ID tag. Whether they need medication, or a loss of hearing / sight, having their needs clearly engraved ensures they receive the correct care should they ever wander off. If you’re looking for a new tag, click here.
Making Alterations to Your Home
Adapting your living space can significantly improve your senior dog's comfort. Providing soft, orthopedic bedding is an excellent way to relieve joint pressure, which is crucial for aging dogs with arthritis.
Another thing that you should also consider is accessibility. Adding ramps or pet steps can help them make their way onto your sofa, car, or any other mounted areas, ensuring their living experience isn’t hindered. Non-slip rugs are also an excellent way to enforce safety. Please note that it is important to avoid sudden, major changes to your home during this stage of their life, particularly if your senior dog has vision impairments or memory issues.
If you want to learn more about how to create a pet safe sanctuary for your aging pet, make sure to read our previous blog here.
Changes to Diet and Nutrition
As your dog’s metabolism slows down, their dietary requirements will shift. Switching to a diet which is specifically tailored to senior dogs is highly necessary to ensure they still intake a healthy balance of all their required nutrients. What does this look like? The Royal Kennel Club has an excellent article highlighting how to feed a senior dog, which you can read here.
Weight control is critical for older dogs. Carrying excess weight can put unnecessary strain on older joints, so increased weight control and portion management are key. Additionally, older dogs can be more prone to dehydration, so ensure they always have access to a fresh, constant water supply.
Exercise and Mobility
While they may not be able to sprint around like they used to, gentle, regular exercise remains vital for maintaining muscle tone and joint mobility. Consistency, and ensuring they keep up with their fitness is key to keeping them healthy without overworking them. Alongside short daily walks, you should consider low-impact activities such as swimming or slower-paced retrieving games for physical and mental benefits.
For dogs living with Alzheimer's or dementia, or those who are experiencing other forms of cognitive decline, it is highly recommended to keep them on a lead as you explore the outdoors. Even with a lead, it’s still incredibly important (and a legal requirement) to ensure they’re protected with an up to date dog tag. Explore our range here.
Mental and Emotional Care
Physical health is not the only thing you’ll need to prioritise, the mental and emotional care for senior dogs is equally as important. Keep their minds sharp with mental stimulation, such as hiding treats and scent games, and getting them to do simple, gentle tricks. While your care is very important, it is also important to give older dogs their own quiet space where they can retreat and rest undisturbed, especially if you have a busy household.
Grooming and Hygiene
Maintaining a regular grooming schedule is a great way to maintain a close bond with your senior dog, and it actively helps you to look out for any unusual lumps, bumps, or changes in their health. When grooming your dog, pay close attention to their nail length, as less active dogs need their nails trimming more often. You should also prioritise dental health, making sure their oral hygiene is adequate to prevent diseases.
For some aging dogs, you may also need to be more accommodating with their toilet needs. Older dogs often require more frequent toilet trips, so you’ll need to be on standby to let them out when needed. If you’re looking for further advice, Blue Cross have written a guide to caring for older dogs, which you can read here.
Summary
Caring for a senior dog is a rewarding way to give back to the companion who has given you years of unconditional love. By making these adjustments to their lifestyle, you can ensure that your dog lives in comfort, and with fulfillment. Remember that an up to date, deeply engraved ID tag is one of the most important things you can provide to reflect your senior dog’s current health needs, while keeping them safe and retrievable.
Explore our range of durable tags here.
Thanks for reading! If you’ve got any questions for us, be sure to get in touch with us at: sales@engravingstudios.co.uk or 01642 688990.