While we do not intend to give it much thought, our furry companions will age and get old just like us. Moreover, the senior years of our four-legged companions come faster than us, so it’s essential to understand your pet’s adjustments and be prepared to get on top of their needs. Doing so helps you prepare for their care and what adjustments you must make to facilitate your dog’s healthy aging.
So how do you better take care of your senior canine to improve its quality of life?
How to Care for Senior Dogs
As your furry companion enters their golden years, you have to ensure they’re comfortable and healthy so you can enjoy the remaining time you have together. Their abilities might slow down, and they may be less enthusiastic than before, but this isn’t something to fret about. So we’ve detailed five tips to help your furry buddy adjust to a better and different lifestyle as they age.
1. Keep them active, but never overdo it
Going for shorter, slower, and more frequent daily walks with your senior canine is an excellent way to prevent muscle atrophy. Even if they can’t go as far as they used to, shorter and more frequent walks can benefit their psychological and physical health. If you have questions concerning your senior pet’s recommended lifestyle, a geriatric vet can provide more tailored and expert suggestions.
2. Buy heated dog beds
Buying orthopedic or heated dog beds can help senior pet dogs with joint problems and arthritis. This is an excellent way to care for your senior pet, as this dog bed might provide restful and pain-free sleep. Moreover, this can help reduce joint pains and bolster mobility and quality of life.
3. Take your senior dog for semi-annual veterinary visits
Even if you think there’s nothing wrong with your aging dog, it’s a good idea to take them to the veterinarian twice a year. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends a regular dog checkup to establish baselines for your senior dog’s health and ensure clinically silent health abnormalities are addressed or managed sooner rather than later.
4. Keep their diet plan healthy
Pets of any age need top-quality dog foods, particularly seniors. You can choose from countless popular dog brands, and finding the best options for your aging pet is easy. The dietary requirements of your senior pet may slightly change as they’ll need fewer calories and more protein. So the food you should give them must support their health.
Have you considered getting a pet wellness plan? If you’re searching for ways to lessen the veterinary costs of your furry companion’s regular preventative care, this is a good choice. You may learn more here about pet wellness plans.
5. Watch them more carefully
While letting your pet run loose in the lawn is alright, they’ll need you to keep an eye on them while outdoors as they age. Senior pets naturally experience decreased vision and hearing. They may roam outside the backyard inadvertently and forget to discover their way home. To have happier senior dogs, watch them regularly and change the environment of your home and yard to prevent them from injuring themselves and others.
