Pet dogs today live longer than ever because of advancements in nutrition and veterinary care. Nonetheless, similar to people, they may develop age-related concerns and difficulties as they become older, leading to a potentially different set of needs. The question is, how can you ensure your elderly dog is happy and healthy?
Tips to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy
All dogs eventually reach senior status since aging is an unpreventable part of life. The crucial point is that aging dogs have various requirements than younger dogs. To guarantee the health of your senior dog, you will need to take some more measures beyond the standard.
Following these guidelines will give you insight into what works best for your older dog’s health and joy.
Adjust Their Diet As Needed
Like humans, canine dietary needs and tastes tend to change with age. If that’s the case with your dog, changing their mealtimes could help. Snacks eaten typically throughout the day can be a great way to attract picky eaters. If they appear delighted with their current diet, keep giving it to them.
However, if your dog has worn or broken teeth, switching over from dry to wet food may help them eat again. In addition, as their immune systems decline, elderly dogs have a higher threat of developing cancer. For that reason, if your dog is showing any symptoms of health issues, you should speak to a dog oncologist. If you want to learn more about what a dog oncologist does, click here.
Keep Them Active
It’s vital for elderly dogs to stay up to date with their exercise routines. Loss of muscular mass in dogs leads to frailty syndrome, which has been linked to a quickened aging process. There may be something wrong if your dog’s activity level falls over time.
Dog owners must watch out for discomfort signs in senior pets and see a geriatric vet to determine the best course of action. Pet owners continue to believe that “slowing down” is a sign of aging. However, when this happens, it is a sign of untreated discomfort.
Update Their Vaccination and Parasite Protection
Your dog’s age makes no difference in preventing parasite infestations, including fleas, ticks, lice, and worms. If your pet is parasite-free, the outstanding care you’ve been giving must continue.
However, vaccinations for elderly dogs aren’t required as frequently. Even though it’s suggested every three years, you must always ask your veterinarian for their recommendation for your dog.
Always Monitor Their Health
It doesn’t take a veterinarian to identify the symptoms of numerous diseases that affect senior dogs. You must watch your dog’s health between appointments with the veterinarian. It’s time to make a visit with the vet if any of these indications continue.
- Shortness of breath or other difficulty breathing
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Stiffness or limping
- Weakness
- Changes in appetite, water intake, or urination
- Lumps
- Coughing
Keep the contact information for a vet lab handy in case your pet is sick or injured. Since one may never know what will happen, it is necessary to have an emergency plan in place.
The Takeaway
Your dog’s needs will change as they get older. Give them your full attention and the love they want and need. Your dog’s golden years might be best appreciated by spending quality time with them and cherishing every minute you have with each other.