Here are my top tips for every dog owner to care for their aging or elderly dog.
Sensibly Active
We’ve heard the expression; use it or lose it! Same goes for our four-legged canine friends. Metabolism is driven by muscle mass and we don’t want them developing frailty syndrome as that accelerates their aging process. The trick here is consistency and regularity.
So it’s important to exercise a senior dog; keeping them lean with healthy joints and muscles. However, be conscious of their needs. A senior dog can’t walk the same pace that they did when they were 5 years old, or for as long. If your best buddy is struggling, you might need to make it a shorter session than you used to. Especially be conscious if you’re walking a much younger dog who is wanting a faster pace. Dogs are terribly loyal and will do almost anything to please up; so be sure to be sensitive to their needs.
Regular Vet Visits
In the early stages of a dog’s life; we often just visit the vet once a year for the annual checkup and vaccinations. However, as your dog ages, you might consider more frequent visits, even if they appear to be in great health. Blood tests and general exams may show things which are not overly apparent. And if nothing else, it’s great peace of mind that your best friend is in great health.
Be sure to discuss extra care for your pet; do they need particular supplements or treatments to help them maintain great health and long life? We all know that prevention is better than cure, and often a damn sight cheaper and less painful.
Even for the trip to the vet, my old boy can no longer jump into the back of my car; now I have to open the door and have him go in the side; as they get older, we just have to adjust some of our day to day activities in order to meet their needs. I have a friend who has a ramp for their dog; especially big dogs; you just often can’t lift them – you don’t want to put your own back out, trying to lift a particularly heavier dog.
Don’t forget your parasite protection; fleas, ticks and worms. There are a huge number of products on the market; talk to your vet about what they suggest is best for your dog. Now, whatever the timing of it, monthly or 3 months, be sure to pop reminders in your diary, scheduler or on the fridge. It’s amazing how quickly a month passes; you don’t want to forget to give your furry baby their regular dose!
Great Grooming
Grooming can be anything from a good brush, to getting their nails clipped, ears cleaned and ensuring hair is out of their eyes or ears. As dogs get older, their hair loses its lustre and good condition and can become brittle. Don’t forget a nice cleansing bath and make sure it’s not just a cold hose in the back yard; especially if it’s somewhat cold conditions. Make sure also you do the bath (even with warm water) in the early part of the day so that your dog doesn’t become chilled; a nice rough towel rub will remove the excess water and they love it. I’m always careful to put down a spare towel on the floor, so that my dog doesn’t slip and damage anything – and me too! Safety at all times.
Dental Care
Yes, you can brush your dog’s teeth, although I do admit that many don’t like this and it’s probably better to start this process early in their life, so they become used to it. Just like it’s a great idea to get pups used to you toughing their paws, ears (carefully), mouth, teeth when they are young so that when you or your vet needs to check them out, they won’t ‘freak’ at being touched. However, if you just struggle with good old fashioned teeth brushing, then dental treats (we like Dentastix) are a great alternative.
Diet Appropriate for Their Age
Remember your dog might not be as active as s/he was in the younger years; we sometimes can tend to sleep more and just not bounce around as much as they used to – although there are always the exceptions. You see this older dog bouncing around likes he’s forgotten it’s not a pup still. So make sure that you’re being sensible with diet:
- Best food for a senior dog – talk to your vet or stockist for what’s best for your pooch
- Check the labels; there are some products out there which are just rubbish and are just full of fillers with little nutritional value. Personally, I like to do a bit of home cooking for Caesar and Theo – all natural and they love it!
- If your dog has a particular problem – then source a product specifically designed for those needs.
- Cut out the junk. There are so many things a dog just shouldn’t have – like bacon, junk food, chips etc – so if you’re prone to treats; cut back substantially. Caesar no longer gets a full slice of cheese now (he LOVES cheese); it’s now a quarter of a slice - plus I’ll often break it up that quarter into small pieces; make the experience last longer. ;)
- Food puzzles are great for an older dog who would just love to gulp down their food if allowed.
They are Not Too Old for Boys or Play
Sure, an older dog doesn’t play as much, but every so often, they still enjoy a bit of a play, ball chase or toy chew. I keep a basket of goodies in my lounge room; my old boy Caesar will every so often go and investigate, plus when my grand-puppy Theo comes to visit, he goes straight to the stash.
The Right Bed is Important
Invest in an Orthopedic bed for your aging dog. Hey, if you’re not as young as you used to be; you know what it’s like with sore limbs, aching hips and just having that right support that leaves you feeling rested when you awake. And really, you don’t need to wait till your dog is older, had an injury or has a bone, joint or arthritis problems, or has had surgery – why not invest in the right bed for them earlier with great support and padding? A good quality bed will last a very reasonable time, especially if cared for and with the right covers. After all, aren’t they worth it?
Small Environmental Changes
As our beloved ones start to age, and potentially lose their eye sight, remember to make minor changes. Keep walkways clear, and if you are changing things, try to make gradual changes, so that they don’t bump into things, especially at night. It will also reduce their stress. Even little things, like taking their blanket and a favourite toy with them to the vet for any surgery can help. Things that smell and feel familiar provide some comfort.
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