Senior dogs are just as lovable as younger dogs, but they require very different care. Just as humans begin to slow down as they age, so too do dogs. They may develop arthritis, or they could have problems with their sight or hearing. Some dogs may develop more serious issues that can only be treated through regular medication. However, just because your pup isn’t as active or healthy as they once were doesn’t mean that they can’t be happy in their golden years of life.
Here we provide a few tips on how to care for your senior dog when the time comes:
Regular, low-impact exercise
Exercise is important for all ages; just because your dog has slowed down a bit doesn’t mean they should spend the rest of the years on the couch. However, your dog won’t have the same energy levels as they did when they were younger, so keep exercise sessions short and easy. Walking once per day should be enough to get your senior dog moving without putting too much stress on their joints.
Senior diets
Senior dogs have different nutritional needs than younger dogs. As such, make sure you’re opting for the senior dog food, not the adult dog food, at the pet store. Since senior dogs have a higher risk of obesity, their food is lower in fat and calories. Additionally, your vet may put your dog on a special diet due to a condition that manifests in their later years.
Schedule regular check-ups
When your dog was in their prime, you likely only took them to the vet once a year. Yet, with age comes all sorts of ailments. Since dogs can’t tell us when something is wrong, we must take them to the vet once every six months to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
Taking care of an aging pet can be a difficult task on your own. At Hill Country Pet Sitters, we offer a variety of pet services, including dog walking and pet sitting to help you better care for your senior dog. Contact us today to learn more!