While we do not want to give it much thought, our furry companions will age and get old like us. Moreover, the senior years of our four-legged babies come faster than us, so it’s essential to be aware of your pet’s adjustments and be prepared to get on top of their necessities. Doing so helps you prepare for their care and what changes you should make to facilitate your dog’s healthy aging. So how do you better look after your senior pet to improve its quality of life?
How to Take Care Of Senior Dogs
As your furry buddy enters their golden years, you must ensure they’re comfortable and healthy so you can enjoy the remaining time you have together. Their abilities may slow down, and they might be less enthusiastic than before, but this isn’t something to stress over. So we’ve enumerated five pointers to help your furry friend adjust to a better and different lifestyle as they age.
1. Take your senior dog for semi-annual vet visits
Even if you think there’s nothing wrong with your senior pet, it’s a great idea to take them to the veterinarian twice a year. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends a cat checkup to establish baselines for your senior pet’s health and ensure clinically silent health irregularities are addressed or treated earlier rather than later.
2. Keep them active, but never overdo it
Going for shorter, slower, and more frequent daily walks with your senior canine is a great way to prevent muscle atrophy. Even if they can’t go as far as they used to, shorter and more regular walks can benefit their mental and physical health. If you have questions regarding your senior pet’s suggested lifestyle, a geriatric pet care professional can give more personalized and professional advice.
3. Keep their diet healthy
Dogs of any age require premium dog foods, especially seniors. You can choose from countless popular dog brands, and finding the best options for your aging pet is easy. The dietary needs of your senior dog may slightly change as they’ll require fewer calories and more protein. So the food you should give them must support their health.
Have you considered getting a cat wellness plan? If you’re looking for ways to lessen the veterinary costs of your furry companion’s regular preventative care, this is a good choice.
4. Invest in heated dog beds
Buying orthopedic or heated dog beds can help senior canines with joint issues and arthritis. This is an excellent way to take care of your senior pet, as this dog bed might give them a restful and pain-free sleep. Additionally, this can help reduce joint pains and enhance mobility and quality of life.
5. Watch them more carefully
While it’s good to let your dog run loose on the lawn, they’ll want you to watch them while outdoors as they age. Senior pets naturally experience decreased vision and hearing. They may wander outside the backyard mistakenly and forget to discover their way home. To have happier senior dogs, watch them regularly and change the environment of your house and yard to prevent them from harming themselves and others.
