As dogs get older, their needs change. While puppies and younger dogs are often high-energy and require lots of exercise and playtime, senior dogs tend to slow down and need more rest and comfort. As a dog owner, you play an important role in making your aging pup’s golden years as happy and comfortable as possible. Here are some tips for caring for your senior dog.
Provide a Comfortable Place to Rest
Older dogs spend a lot more time sleeping and resting than younger dogs. Ensure your senior dog has a comfortable place to relax and sleep undisturbed. Provide orthopedic dog beds and soft blankets in quiet areas of your home. Keep their sleeping area clean, dry, and at a comfortable temperature. If they have difficulty getting comfortable, try using a heated dog bed or cooling mat.
Adapt Their Environment
Make things easier on your older dog by adapting their environment. Place water and food bowls in easy to access areas. Use ramps, pet steps, or lifts to help them get on furniture or in vehicles. Put down non-slip rugs and runners if they have difficulty walking on smooth floors. Keep pathways clear around your home so they can move about easily. Install baby gates if they have trouble with stairs.
Groom Regularly
Grooming is important for all dogs, but especially seniors. Brush their coat frequently to prevent matting and keep their skin and fur healthy. Trim their nails often since overgrown nails can cause pain and problems walking. Check and clean their eyes and ears to avoid infections. Brush their teeth daily to reduce bacteria. Regular grooming sessions are a good chance to check for any new lumps, bumps or skin abnormalities.
Feed a Nutritious Senior Diet
Like humans, a dog’s nutritional needs change as they age. Feed high quality commercial senior dog food or consult with your vet on the best diet. Senior foods have fewer calories, more fiber, reduced fat and increased protein. They also have added supplements for joint, brain, heart and kidney health. Feed smaller, more frequent meals if they have dental issues or difficulty maintaining their weight. Always provide easy access to fresh drinking water.
Keep Up Regular Vet Checkups
Take your senior dog to the veterinarian for wellness exams every 6 months. Dogs age much faster than humans, so twice-yearly vet visits are important for catching any health issues early. Annual bloodwork, urinalysis and dental exams are recommended. Discuss any changes in your dog’s mobility, appetite, thirst, weight, energy levels, cognitive function and general comfort with the vet.
Exercise According to Ability
Exercise remains important for older dogs, but you should adapt it to their physical condition. Short, low impact walks and play sessions are best. Swimming and hydrotherapy can help dogs with arthritis or mobility issues. Always give them plenty of time to warm up and cool down before and after exercise. Massage and range of motion exercises can help keep their muscles and joints limber. Never force exercise if they seem reluctant or in pain.
Provide Comfort and Pain Management
If your senior dog develops health problems or disabilities, focus on providing them comfort and quality of life. Talk to your vet about pain medication if they show signs of stiffness, difficulty walking or standing up. Therapeutic beds, mobility harnesses, ramps and hip support bands can also help. Alternative pain treatments like acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may be beneficial. Keep their nails trimmed to prevent pain from clicking on floors. Know the signs that your dog’s pain is no longer manageable.
Consider In-Home Euthanasia
Saying goodbye to your senior dog will be the hardest part of caring for them. When their health declines to the point that their quality of life is compromised, in-home euthanasia allows you to be by their side comfortably at home for their final moments. Companies like CodaPet cover many major cities such as Dallas and Chicago. It is a peaceful, gentle and dignified end that prevents unnecessary stress and confusion for your beloved friend.
With some planning and adjustments, you can ensure your senior dog’s final years are happy, comfortable ones.
Photo Credit
Image by Fale Llorente Almansa from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Jessica Peters
Jessica Peters is a freelance writer from Melbourne who blogs about digital marketing and social media strategies. Jessica is an avid traveler and regularly crosses the globe to learn about other cultures while blogging from her laptop.
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