How to Take Care of an Elderly Dog
How to Take Care of an Elderly Dog. Your helpful guide and tips.
Dogs are considered to be man’s best friend for a reason. They are lovely, loyal, loving companions that will always have your back. However, as they age, their health and physical abilities deteriorate. They may start to show signs of arthritis or even dementia, making them difficult to care for.
The average life expectancy of a dog is about 12 years, and they will be classed as geriatric at seven years old. Depending on the breed, the aging rate can differ, and some breeds will be more susceptible to specific health issues than others.
Older dogs need to take in various medications on a regular basis, so you’ll need to research specific types of medicine for each of your dog’s problems. Looking up the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis or the best pain relief medication can make your life and your veterinarian’s job a whole lot easier!
As the owner, you must be aware of how to care for your aging dog to ensure that he or she can enjoy an optimum level of quality and happiness in his or her later years. This article covers some ways on how you can take better care of your elderly dog.
Know the Warning Signs of Aging
The first thing that you should do when caring for an elderly dog is to learn the warning signs of aging. You might be the first to notice that your dog is starting to show signs of aging. This is especially important if your dog is getting on in years.
This sign could be a change in behavior or appearance such as a change in sleeping patterns, becoming less active, and showing less energy. Your dog may also be less inclined to play tag with you around the house or on walks. You may also start to notice that your dog is a little slower and even forgetful.
Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Weight
As your dog ages, he or she may start to put weight on. This is especially prevalent in larger breeds. The reason for this is because your dog will no longer be able to do the same amount of exercise, and he or she will start to put on a few pounds.
One option is to reduce the amount of food that you put out for your dog. However, this should only be done if you have the approval of a vet. It can be hard to know when your dog needs its next meal, which is why it’s important to take note of how much and how often your dog eats each day. Don’t allow your dog to get too hungry as that can lead to overeating, which could be harmful and even dangerous.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Your dog’s health and physical condition will deteriorate as he or she ages. This is why it’s important to maintain an active lifestyle for your dog so he or she can maintain their physical fitness. You should continue with the same exercise routine that you had with your dog when it was younger. If your dog has joint issues, you can always take him or her swimming or visit a hydrotherapy pool instead.
You should also continue to walk your dog on a regular basis. However, you may need to use a harness instead of a collar and lead as this can be damaging and restrictive to an aging dog. You can also use a wheelchair if you want to go for a long walk in the countryside. However, this shouldn’t replace regular walks with your dog.
Look After Your Dog’s Teeth
As you’re caring for your elderly dog, you should make sure that you look after his or her teeth. You should brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis, and you can use a toothpaste designed specifically for dogs (or just brush with water). If you don’t want to use a toothbrush, use cotton swabs instead. This will help reduce the chances of periodontitis and gum disease, which are common problems that elderly dogs will be susceptible to.
Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Fresh Air
If you are keeping your dog indoors most of the time, you should make sure that he or she gets enough fresh air. This will help ensure that he or she doesn’t become a little unbearable to live with as he or she gets older. You could get a pet door so that he or she can come and go as they please. They can also run around the backyard during the day if they’re not allowed outside. If you want to make sure of their safety, you could also install a fence around the perimeter of the yard so that they don’t escape.
Provide Your Dog With Plenty of Stimulation
If you are staying at home most of the time, you should ensure that you are providing your dog with plenty of stimulation. You can play games with them such as fetch or hide-and-seek, which will make them mentally active and give them something fun to do. They will also need some mental stimulation if you are not home most of the time. You can get them a puzzle toy or some interactive toys to keep them busy while you’re away at work.
Maintain a Healthy Diet for Your Dog
If you are caring for an elderly dog, then you should make sure that he or she is eating a healthy diet that is appropriate for his or her age. For example, you don’t want to give your dog puppy food when it’s senile as this can be harmful for him or her and may cause further health problems. You should consult a vet about the best diet for your dog based on its age, breed, and specific health issues and conditions so they can receive the right nutrients at all times during their lifetime.
Consider Using Supplements
If your dog is struggling with a specific ailment, you should consider supplementing their diet with supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. These supplements are not only good for relieving joint pain and stiffness but they are also great for maintaining mobility as well as bone structure and density too. This will also help keep their joints and muscles strong during their later years while also boosting their immune system too.
Check Your Dog’s Spots Regularly For Skin Cancer
Dogs are susceptible to getting skin cancer just like humans are and you should always check their skin regularly for any suspicious spots. The best way to do this is by using a flashlight so you can shine it onto their skin in different areas. If you notice any spots that are not normal, then it’s best to have them checked out by a vet promptly so it doesn’t spread elsewhere on their body and become life-threatening further down the line.
Consider Getting Senior Pet Insurance When You Have an Elderly Dog
Senior pet insurance can significantly reduce the cost of veterinary bills for your elderly dog so it’s well worth considering when you have an elderly dog in your care. If your dog has any special medical conditions or requires regular medications, you probably won’t cover all of the costs yourself through your normal insurance policy, but senior pet insurance could help with any associated costs as long as you have comprehensive insurance coverage for your dog too (which you should).
The Bottom Line
Caring for elderly dogs may not be as resource intensive as caring for elderly people, but it still requires enough knowledge and expertise, nonetheless. You will need to learn about senior dogs’ diets and most appropriate exercises, as well as be extremely aware of the potential signs of more serious, age-related diseases and ailments. Finally, don’t neglect your dog’s self-esteem and mental health — they may be getting old, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t need to spend any time playing around or going for walks!
