You may ask any senior dog owner, and they will all agree: that they are fantastic companions. They’re wonderful pets that are happy to do everything you want them to, like take a stroll around the block or nap at your feet. They also exhibit less of the hyperactive, disruptive characteristics seen in puppies of a younger age. Their youthful antics of demanding attention have worn off, yet they still want you to be aware of their age-appropriate requirements.
In honour of your old dog’s many years of companionship, here are some simple things you can do to make them happy.
1. Make sure your dog doesn’t put on too much weight
Gaining weight is a big problem for older dogs because it lowers their quality of life, makes them more sickly, and shortens their lifespan. Their caloric needs will decrease as they ease off and become less active. Senior dog food is a smart place to start because it has fewer calories per serving, but you should still monitor your dog’s weight and condition, make any required adjustments to their portion amounts, and give them dog probiotics with exercise.
You can determine if your dog is healthy weight with the use of body condition grading. The optimum measurements for an older dog are shown in the chart below: they should be around 5 or 6 inches at the bust, which means you can feel their ribs but not see them, and they should have a clearly defined waist that is evident from above and side views.
2. Adapt an exercise routine for your older dog
Your dog’s mobility and stamina will naturally decline with age, so you’ll have to modify their workout program appropriately. You might have to start walking instead of running or hiking, and break up longer walks into multiple shorter ones. If your dog enjoys being in the water, take them swimming during the warmer months as there are many benefits of swimming for dogs, but make sure they practice low-impact exercises instead of sprinting or jumping.
If you are uncertain about the amount of exercise your older dog needs, see your veterinarian. Their knowledge and experience can guide you in meeting your dog’s demands and in choosing an exercise routine that your pet will like.
3. Keep an eye on your older dog when the weather gets hot or cold
Be extra careful on extremely hot or cold days with older dogs because their bodies may not be able to control their temperature as well as younger ones. Wear a coat (and maybe even boots if it’s really cold and snowy), keep walks brief, and watch out for hypothermia symptoms if you have an older dog during the winter.
Keep your dog cool in the summer by staying inside during the hottest periods of the day, giving them lots of fresh water, and using a fan if necessary. For a refreshing snack, you may also offer them frozen goodies! Never underestimate the severity of heatstroke; if you notice any signs, don’t hesitate to call your vet.
4. Make adjustments to your older dog’s living space to ensure their comfort
To ensure the comfort of your elderly dog, you may need to make the following adjustments to your home:
Stay away from stairs and steps: Climbing stairs can be a real nuisance for seniors, especially those who suffer from arthritis. To make their sleeping room more accessible, you might want to consider adding ramps or relocating it to a lower floor. Your canine might use a ramp to get onto the couch if they want to cuddle up with you, and smaller dogs might even want your assistance getting them onto the couch pondershort.com.
Older dogs’ mobility declines, so they may discover it difficult to maintain their balance on hard, slippery floors. To alleviate this, cover them up. To make walking easier for your dog, cover them with carpets, rugs, or mats. Alternatively, you can use Dr. Buzby’s nail grips, which will offer additional stability on flooring.
Orthopaedic bedding: A thick, therapeutic pet bed, like the Petfusion memory foam bed, can give extra comfort to dogs that are suffering from arthritis or other painful ailments.
5. Make sure your elderly dog has enough active playtime
Mental stimulation can mitigate the consequences of cognitive deterioration in dogs, according to multiple research. You might want to think about giving your dog some more brain teasers.
Promote socialization among canine companions. Even though they aren’t as active as they once were, older dogs can still benefit from playing, socializing, and sniffing about with dogs that are around the same age and have a comparable energy level.
A stroller or other mobility aids can be useful. A stroller can make it easier for older pets who have trouble moving about to go for walks, which is wonderful for their mental and emotional health. Also, pets might benefit from mobility aids like knee braces if they have specific medical concerns, and they can also wear booties with non-slip bottoms for better grip when playing outside.