Senior Dog Changes: What You Might See as Your Dog Ages
Pet parents face the realization that, over time, their furry friends will experience old age, too. There are interventions and tips that you can implement to help your dog age gracefully as they go through their mature years. That said, here’s what you need to know about providing the best possible senior dog care!
Caring For Senior Dogs: The Details
Aging senior dogs often struggle with changing, ever-evolving needs. Fortunately, you can help them navigate this change with some adjustments. Here are ten tips to keep in mind for older dogs.
- Schedule Regular Veterinarian Visits. Aging dogs suffer from many health issues, such as cardiac problems, arthritis, cancer, and other illnesses. Scheduling routine vet visits for your dog at least twice a year is important to identify any potential illness early on. Early detection of illness also allows for early treatment.
- Keep Vaccinations Up to Date. Vaccinations are important to keep your senior dog healthy. Speak with a vet to see which booster vaccines your pet needs. Typically, core vaccines are administered every three years.
- Monitor Energy Levels. Keep an eye out for your dog’s behavior. As they age, they may experience decreased mobility and endurance. They also have reduced energy levels. By monitoring your dog closely, you’ll be able to detect if something more serious is going on. It is advisable to consult with the vet for any concerning symptoms.
- Monitor Weight. Monitor your dog’s weight as they age. While weight gain can be due to decreased exercise, weight loss may be an indication of several problems. If you notice severe weight loss over a few months, it’s important to take your dog to the vet. Help maintain their weight with a balanced diet and exercise as tolerated.
- Creating a Safe Environment. With age-related conditions such as cognitive impairment, your dog may lose a sense of awareness of their surroundings. Make adjustments to create a safe and supportive environment for your dog. Some suggestions are creating slip-free surfaces, hiding cords and wires, and opting for raised food bowls. Check for any possible safety hazards in the house.
- Promoting Exercise. Help your dog maintain a healthy level of activity. Exercise is important for your dog’s blood circulation and overall health. Therefore, encourage low-impact exercise to keep their muscles active. Regular exercise also helps maintain their body weight.
- Ensuring Comfort. Senior dogs may need extra support with their changing health and needs. You can ensure comfort through a proper sleeping arrangement. For instance, an orthopedic bed is especially helpful for achy joints and can ensure quality sleep.
- Encourage Brain Stimulation. You can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks, and here’s why you should! Stimulating your dog through interactive games, new games, and tricks is a form of mental exercise and staves off boredom.
- Providing Extra Attention. Give your senior dog extra care and attention, and cherish your time together. Offer comfort in whichever ways that you can during their golden years. Ultimately, your support will help them thrive.
- Well-Balanced Diet. A well-balanced diet will help maintain your aging dog’s weight while meeting their nutritional needs. Not sure where to get started? Get Joy has got you covered on healthy and fresh meals.
High-Quality Senior Dog Food With Get Joy
The quality of the food that you purchase for your senior dog matters for their overall health. Fortunately, you can opt for a well-balanced and healthy diet for your dog. Get Joy offers wholesome meal plans that are made from high-quality ingredients.
Our fresh weekly meal plans include fourteen packs, which is two meals per day. You can choose from turkey, beef, chicken, or lamb. Ready to get started? Take a look at our sample meal plans here.
