Giving Your Elderly Pets the Care They Deserve

Senior dogs endure many of the same problems and changes as their aging human counterparts. Like humans, aged dogs are less responsive to physical activity and exercise. They may be unable to move, have fatigue, or have painful joints. 

As they get older, pets’ metabolisms naturally slow. Older dogs are likely to gain weight, which can lead to more severe muscle or joint problems, and they are more susceptible to temperature changes. Some dogs with aging might lose weight and muscle. This could be due to the liver, kidney, dental or endocrine conditions.

Taking Care of Senior Pets

Elderly dogs who have spent their lives loving and serving your family deserve the highest care they can receive. If your dog is aging, you may need to learn new ways of living. Older dogs need different care than younger dogs. Keep reading for a guide about how you can adequately care for your senior dog.

1. Regulate Activity

Your dog needs to engage in regular physical activity without overexertion to keep strong muscles, joints, and bones. Their lungs and hearts are less strong than they used to be. Be especially cautious when it’s hot or if your dog doesn’t seem to have many exercises.

When walking, make sure you have water available for your dog to drink and ensure that he has adequate breaks. Being sedentary in senior dogs increases the likelihood of being overweight and has a higher risk of having mobility problems.

If you are always on the go, and you have a geriatric pet to take care of, to regulate the activity and to monitor the wellness of your pet, you need to get in touch with a senior dog care clinic and ask about the services they offer for your senior pet.

2. Healthy Weight

Achieving a healthy weight is vital to your pet’s overall health as they age because weight gain or decrease can create conditions for future health issues. If you’re looking to do this, make sure your dog eats a high-quality diet tailored to their lifestyle and age. Consider giving them nutritional supplements to complement their diet.

If your pet’s weight is not commensurate to its food intake, it may be suffering from an internal ailment. In this care, you need to look and get in touch with a veterinary internal medicine specialist to assess your pet’s condition.

3. Dental Care

Dental issues are inevitable once your dog reaches a certain age. Some dogs may lose teeth as a consequence. Brushing your dog’s teeth can be necessary and must be done to improve her dental hygiene.

Suppose this seems like a daunting task and stressful for you and your dog, offer her some dental treats instead. Make sure to get your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year by your vet.

4. Provide Comfort

If your dog is old and has lost sight or hearing, they may have trouble obeying directions, locating their bed, or getting around. Pets who are visually impaired or hearing impaired may get agitated quickly, causing them to snap or growl. Make a place for your pet to be comfortable for your dog to rest and show how to get around the house, making your pet safe and comfortable.

You can make sure your dog is warm and comfortable inside their home as they get older by giving them sweaters when it’s cold. Also, provide them with softer blankets, ramps up the steps, and rugs on floors made of hardwood that could be slippery. Senior dogs shouldn’t be left outside in cold, hot, or wet weather.

Studies show that a sterile pet lives longer than a the normal one. If you are thinking about your time with your pet, you can subject them to a sterilization procedure. You can search for a facility by typing in “neuter dog near me” in your search bar for more information.

5. Regular Vet Visit

Maintain your dog’s health by taking her to visit the veterinarian every six months, at least. It’s heartbreaking, yet as dogs grow older, their immune systems weaken and can cause a myriad of health issues. Your doctor will not only be able to treat problems that have already occurred and treat them, but they’ll also try to keep other issues from occurring.