How to Look After an Older Dog
Having a dog enriches your life but it is also a big responsibility, and as your dog grows older, they are likely to develop a variety of minor ailments and will require even more tailored care from you. Here, we consider the additional care that your canine might need when they reach old age.
Diet
When it comes to the food you provide for them, you need to be extra careful in making sure that they have a balanced diet. They need enough protein and fat, whilst also not consuming too many calories, and plenty of fiber. They need plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega 3s to give their systems extra support as they grow weary too. You may wish to add specific supplements to help whichever ailments they have, such as joint supplements. And of course, make sure they have water at all times.
One of the most important things you need to do if you have an older dog maintains the health of their mouth, as this can be the cause of the majority of geriatric canine health issues. The best way to do this is by brushing their teeth, but if this is too difficult you can get special dental toys and snacks for them.
Their Belongings
You will probably need to upgrade a few of their home comforts to better support their needs. For example, you might need to swap their sleeping arrangements as a quality dog bed can help ease pain from arthritis and other physical issues. If your dog has been sleeping upstairs, you might need to relocate them downstairs so that they can access everything they need more easily.
As well as new sleeping arrangements, they will benefit from new toys too. You can get plenty of toys which are specifically designed to stimulate the parts of their mind which tire as they get older, for example, balls with bells in which allow them to follow sounds.
Getting Out and About
While they may find exercise more difficult as they get older, it is still important to make sure they get it regularly. You will probably have to cut down the time you spend on walks, go at a slower pace, and choose somewhere easy and dog free for them to roam around though. As well as regular exercise, it’s a good idea to take them for regular check-ups at the vets, to keep on top of any health problems they develop Older dogs have different needs than young dogs. They need specific, nutrient-rich diets to support their immune systems and to give them energy. They also need structured beds to support their joints, and toys which exercise certain parts of their brains. They still need exercise but in smaller amounts, as well as more trips to the vets to make sure they’re ok. If you are a new pet owner then you might be interested in checking out this article here about what you should buy for your new pet.
