How to Take Care of Your Senior Dog

A dog is your buddy for life and just as it starts to age a little you need to take care of it a bit differently.

A dog is just like your family and as it approaches its senior years you have got to make sure it gets all the care it needs for the years worth of loyalty and love it gave you.

Signs your dog is getting old:

  • Gray hair and coat
  • Slow physical reflexes
  • Lack of energy or interest in going for walks or playing outside
  • Poor eyesight

Here are 5 ways to take care of your senior dog:

  1. Ease up on the physical activities

As much as a dog loves to play fetch but as it gets old, the passion for this activity dwindles down to a mere taxing game. Although don’t ever cut down its daily walks because those are essential but don’t force your dog to physically exert itself to the point that it gets sick or too tired to function. You should realize that just like humans, dogs too lose their energy and endurance levels as they age.

  1. Give it healthy and nutritious food

This is a given at any stage of the dog’s life but senior dogs should always have their diets monitored closely because one wrong food and it could cause  chaos to its health. Give it dog food made especially for senior dogs as it is more chewable so as not to damage the teeth and is easily digested. The senior dog food is also fortified and enriched with extra nutrients but you can also feed it raw and organic food after consulting the vet.

  1. Have a senior pet-friendly environment

Make everything easily accessible and safe for your dog because it will reduce the chances of any injury or danger. If your dog had a playpen upstairs and finds it difficult to climb the stairs often then shift it downstairs. Make sure the area your dog sleeps it doesn’t have any extreme temperature so that it doesn’t fall sick.

  1. Trips to the vet

Vet trips are always important no matter what age your dog is but you should increase the frequency as your dog gets old. Any signs of a possible illness can always be detected and taken care of. Notice any behavioral or physical changes of your dog such as indigestion, vomit, excess urination etc and go see one immediately. Make your dog have an annual blood test along with vaccinations for senior dogs to safeguard it against various health concerns.

  1. Extra love and attention

While it is easy to dote on a new puppy compared to an older dog but don’t ignore your dog over other younger or more active pets in the house. Dogs are very sensitive and so you must shower your old canine buddy with extra love, care, petting, and attention.

If you want to know more about dog vaccinations or blood tests in Stillwater, then head over to Rivertown Animal Hospital and get your dog a checkup from one of the best vets in town.