Aging is a normal part of life and at some point in our dog's life, they become seniors. The important thing to know is that as they get older, their care requirements are different compared to when they are young.
As they age, they become less active, their hearing isn't as sharp as before, and they are more prone to diseases. We, as pet parents will have to ensure they spend their golden years healthy and happy. Here are some of the ways you can do that.
Don't Forget Their Semi-Annual Visits
Regular visits to the vet are one of the most important things you can do to care for your senior dog. As they age, their immune system becomes weaker which makes them prone to ailments.
Regular checkups should be performed twice a year or every six months. This will give your vet a chance to know the health of your dog better and have a chance to figure out an appropriate treatment if something is wrong.
Keep Them Active
As dogs age, it is important to get them plenty of exercises. If they don't move, they'll lose muscle mass and develop frailty syndrome.
Regular exercise helps maintain their ideal weight and has a key benefit to their overall health. You can talk to your vet about the appropriate exercise program for your aging dog.
When starting an exercise program start slow and focus on building up their stamina by doing regular walks. Remember that as they age, they will have lower energy levels than when they were younger.
Stick to a Healthy Diet
Older dogs often have food issues such as lack of appetite, problems chewing, and difficulty digesting foods. Your vet will be the only professional to diagnose any problems your pet might have and provide a healthy diet suitable to their needs. A balanced diet is important to their health and wellbeing especially when they get older because of their lower levels of energy, they have a higher chance of getting obese.
In general, you should avoid feeding them foods with a lot of calories as it can lead to weight gain and add more fiber to aid with digestion.
Introduce Dietary Supplements
In addition to dietary recommendations from your vet, ask about dietary supplements such as fish oil, glucosamine, and probiotics. Regular intake of these supplements can make a huge difference to their health.
Clean Their Teeth
Aging dogs are at risk of cracked teeth and gum disease - both are painful and require serious vet attention.
Using a dog toothpaste and toothbrush, start brushing your dog's teeth in circular movements and place your finger at a 45-degree angle to scrub the gum line. If there is swelling, bleeding, or signs of pain, immediately schedule a vet appointment.
Invest in Orthopedic Dog Bed
Investing in an orthopedic dog bed can help seniors dogs particularly if they are suffering from arthritis or other joint problems. Having a pain-free sleep can improve their mobility and improve their quality of life.
Luxe Pets Products offer high-quality orthopedic dog beds made of a solid chunk of memory foam to ensure proper comfort and it will not deform. It consists of a waterproof layer to protect the bed against accidental spills.