In your eyes, your dog will always be a pup, even if they are starting to get older. Whether you bought them from a breeder as a pup, or saved them as an adult from a shelter, watching your dog grow old can be a sad experience. Even though it can be hard and difficult to come to terms with your dog’s old age, taking proper care of your canine companion during their golden years will give them the opportunity to age gracefully and remain as comfortable as possible. To help you achieve that, here are 5 tips on how to care for a senior dog.
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Clean Their Canines
Dental hygiene is something that many pet owners look past, especially as their pup ages; however, taking care of your dog’s teeth is crucial and becomes even more important as they get older. Keeping their teeth clean will reduce the risk of painful decay and dental disease. Professional cleaning and/or brushing is recommended, and dental toys and treats should be used regularly.
Continue with Exercise
As your dog gets older and slower, you may be put off the idea of taking them out for walks as often, but this should not be the case. If your dog seems to find it difficult to walk long distances, then you should take them out on short regular walks. This will stop their joints from seizing up, keep their mind and body active, and it will keep the weight off, which can put a lot of strain on an old pet.
Support Their Health
Regular trips to the vet and following their advice will support the health of your older dog. There are many supplements you can buy too. For example, if your dog suffers from stiff joints and arthritis, then you may want to consider purchasing joint supplements from a company like YuMove. Their productscontain glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs, which help to maintain the cartilage structure. As they work with veterinarians and animal nutrition specialists, you know it’s a product you can trust to get your dog moving.
Monitor Their Diet
Mature dogs will often face difficulties with their food. This can include issues with chewing, digestive difficulties, weight problems and a lack of appetite. It is important to not ignore all of the senior dog food and treats that you may come across when visiting your local pet store. You should speak to your vet about the best diet and exercise proposal for your dog and their condition.
Pay Close Attention
Dogs are great at disguising and hiding pain, so you should play close attention to your old friend during their golden years. This includes noticing changes in behaviour, weight and appetite. You should monitor their teeth and bodies, and look out for any lesions and bumps that need to be brought to your vet’s attention. You should also make an effort to make your home senior pet friendly.
The breed, size, diet, environment and genetics of your dogwill all have an impact on your pet’s life expectancy. The right preventative care will extend your dogs life, but you should always speak to your vet before making any big changes.
