5 Things to Consider For Your Senior Dog
November 19, 2023
By Dr. Bethany Hsia, Co-founder of CodaPet
As our beloved canine companions age, they require extra care and attention to ensure maintained health and happiness. Just like any other mammal, senior dogs experience changes in their bodies and can develop age-related conditions. To provide the best possible care for your senior dog, here are five important things to consider:
(Images from Deposit Photos)
- Diet and Nutrition: As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, and they usually become less active. This means they require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. It is crucial to adjust an aging dog’s diet accordingly to prevent obesity and related health issues. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes and select a high-quality senior dog food that meets their specific nutritional needs. Additionally, consider adding veterinary-recommended supplements such as glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and reduce inflammation.
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for senior dogs. Older dogs are more prone to developing age-related conditions such as arthritis, dental problems, heart disease, and cancer. By scheduling routine check-ups, your veterinarian can detect any potential health issues early on and provide appropriate treatment. These visits also allow for discussions about preventative care such as vaccinations and parasite control, dental care, and any changes in behavior or appetite that may require attention.
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation: While senior dogs may not have the same energy levels as when they were younger, regular exercise is still crucial for their overall well-being. Tailor exercise routines to your dog's abilities and limitations. Gentle walks, swimming, or low-impact activities can help maintain muscle tone, joint flexibility, and mental stimulation. Engaging with puzzle toys or interactive games can also keep their minds sharp and combat cognitive decline.
- Comfortable Environment: As dogs age, they may develop mobility issues or experience discomfort due to arthritis or other conditions. Ensure that your home environment is safe and comfortable for your senior dog. Provide soft bedding in warm areas of the house and consider using ramps or stairs to help them access elevated surfaces. Keep their living space free from hazards such as slippery floors and avoid rearranging furniture or floor plans for dogs with visual or cognitive decline. As always, make sure they have easy access to fresh water and are not exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Emotional Support and Quality Time: Just like young pups, senior dogs thrive on love and attention from their human companions. As they age, they may experience anxiety or cognitive decline, leading to changes in behavior. Spend quality time with your senior dog, providing reassurance and comfort. Maintain a consistent routine to reduce stress, anxiety, and confusion. Engage in activities they enjoy, such as gentle grooming sessions or simply sitting together for cuddles. By offering emotional support, you can enhance their overall well-being and cherish their golden years.
Don’t Forget About Mobility
As dogs age, maintaining their mobility becomes more challenging, but you see, it’s not impossible. Actually, all you need to do is regular, gentle exercise; seriously, that’s key! For example, you can think about short walks or even swimming to keep your joints limber. But overall, just make your home more accessible by adding ramps or softer bedding (and maybe even less jumping for them, too).
Plus, for extra support, you might want to look into Go Hero Braces since they can give stability to aging joints, making it easier for your senior dog to move around without discomfort. So overall, these small changes can greatly improve your furry friend’s quality of life.
When Your Dog is Suffering:
While we strive to keep our senior dogs comfortable and happy, it is important to acknowledge that there may come a time when suffering overshadows things. If your elderly dog is suffering without the possibility of relief, euthanasia is an appropriate next step. If your senior dog’s quality of life has significantly deteriorated due to chronic pain or illness, consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of euthanasia as a humane option to end their suffering. They can guide you through this difficult decision-making process and provide support during this emotional time.
Caring for a senior dog can be bittersweet, requiring attention to their specific needs. By considering their diet and nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, routine gentle exercise and mental stimulation, an age-appropriate environment, and emotional support, your senior dog's golden years can be filled with love which is the highest quality care.