Dogs are part of the family! They are a huge part of our family’s life. A dog brings joy, love, and companionship. It’s only fair for us to take care of them, especially as they age or if they are ill. Just like humans, senior dogs need a little extra TLC and attention to make sure they are comfortable, healthy, and happy. There are a lot of things you can do to help improve your senior dog’s quality of life.

How Can I Help My Senior Dog?

Elderly dogs need a comfortable living space.

As your furry family member ages, one of the most important parts of their care is providing them with a comfortable space. You want a senior dog to be comfortable and safe. Their need for a well-designed safe space increases as they become less able to move around freely. We dogs are like humans in many ways, especially when it comes to aging. Our joints get stiff, and it gets harder to get around.

Here are a few ways to prepare a space for your senior or aging dog:

·         Provide comfortable bedding

·         Place food and water easily in their reach

·         Keep the area clean

·         Remove any hazards

·         Keep the temperature in a comfortable range

Depending on your older dog’s preference, you may want to create their space in a kennel. It’s a place that is just theirs. Give them a space to crate and put their favorite blanket and toys nearby. They just need a spot to go to that is just for them.

Provide proper nutrition for senior dogs.

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. To help them maintain good health, you’ll want to find the right food to meet their needs. Providing your senior dog with a balanced diet that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals will promote good health and help keep them active. A healthy diet helps prevent common health problems like obesity and dental issues.

Proper nutrition is important to older dogs because you will want them to maintain a healthy weight. Dogs are like humans and as we age, our metabolism slows down, and we tend to be less active. This can lead to obesity or weight gain. Added weight can contribute to other conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Providing a diet tailored to senior dogs helps manage their weight.

Consult with your veterinarian for tips on feeding your senior dog. They can help you determine the best diet based on their needs and breed.

Regular exercise and playtime are necessary for senior dogs.

Senior dogs can have limited mobility because of problems like arthritis or joint issues. Even if they have mobility issues, keeping them active will help them maintain their overall health. Being active as much as possible will help prevent boredom and depression. You may need to take shorter walks and play with toys indoors to stimulate their senses. Senior dogs are like humans; they need about 30 minutes of exercise a day to keep them active, sharp, and stress-free.

Senior dogs need regular vet visits.

As dogs age, their health risks and needs change. Making regular visits to the vet is important for helping them maintain their well-being and quality of life. Older dogs are more susceptible to a wide range of health problems, including:

·         Arthritis

·         Dental disease

·         Kidney problems

·         Liver problems

·         Heart disease

·         Cancer

Regular vet visits for your senior dog mean they get thorough exams and any necessary tests to detect the earliest signs of health problems. Detecting issues early provides more time for intervention, which can improve the chances of successful treatments and can slow the progression of the disease. For example, discovering arthritis in its earliest stages can mean your dog can benefit from effective pain management and mobility support. This can greatly improve a senior dog’s quality of life.

Regular vet visits also help the veterinarian monitor and treat chronic conditions that are common in older dogs. Regular check-ups help ensure treatments and medications are working effectively. It also gives time for making adjustments based on the canine’s current health needs and status. Taking a proactive approach helps prevent complications and keeps your senior dog as healthy and as comfortable as possible.

Talk to your dog’s vet about proper hygiene and bathing. Keeping your dog comfortable and healthy means proper bathing and dental care. If they are no longer comfortable with regular bathing, grab some all natural Pawer Dog Wipes. It’s an easy way to keep them clean.

Aging is all about celebrating your senior dog’s golden years by giving them the attention, care, and love they deserve. By being aware of their special needs and making any needed adjustments, they can continue a life that is full of joy and companionship.

About the Author: Hazel

Hazel is a border collie and serves as our head engineer. He is in charge of developing and testing Pawer Lab’s latest innovative pup-focused inventions. He loves the little things in life like playing fetch, riding in the car, and chasing the mailman.