Tips on How to Take Care of a Senior Dog

As much as you want to be with your dog for the rest of your life, they only live for around twelve (12) years maximum. Unfortunately, dogs get old faster compared to us. The best that you can do is to take good care of your senior dog when they reach their seniority age while cherishing every moment with them!

Follow our five (5) must-do tips on how to help ensure your dog remains happy and healthy in their mature years.

But before that, let’s identify first what age of dogs is considered senior.

The standard age range for senior dogs differs by breed and size. We recommend pawrents to watch out for the common signs of aging to know. In some cases, you need to make necessary adjustments to give the best senior dog care available.

Generally, giant breed dogs age more quickly than smaller breed dogs. For example, the great Dane dog breed is considered senior when they reach roughly five (5) to six (6) years old, while a chihuahua is middle-aged around that age and will be considered senior after ten (10) to eleven (11) years. 

Also, large breed dogs fall somewhere in between, like a golden retriever is already senior by eight (8) to ten (10) years of age. There are also other factors you should consider that can make your dog age, such as genetics, nutrition, and environment. 

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Tip 1: Senior dogs should stay active

If they don’t move it, they lose it! 

Being physically active is not only for the young. Senior dogs still got the groove and bubbliness to have plenty of exercises. Not to mention, this is good for them, too! Losing muscle mass can develop frailty syndrome, which can accelerate aging more for your dog. By keeping your senior dog active, you are also preventing weight gain that can lead to arthritis. 

The activity level of dogs gradually lowers as they age, so pawrents should watch out for subtle signs of pain and ensure to consult it with their veterinarian for treatment. 

Tip 2: Have their blood work checked 

A regular check-up keeps the sickness away! As dogs become older each year, it is a great idea to have them regularly checked by veterinarians. Aside from annual or biannual exams, you must get your senior dog to annual blood work check-ups. With this, the white and red blood cells of your dog will be checked, including their kidney and liver function, to ensure that they are healthy even at their senior age. 

Tip 3: Buy an orthopedic or heated dog bed

Getting up every morning is easy-peasy with the right bed!

If you have the budget and are eager to let your senior dog feel comfortable, you should buy an orthopedic dog bed or a heated dog bed. It can definitely relieve their arthritis and other joint problems compared to a regular bed. Senior dogs will surely feel less pain and experience restful sleep. 

Tip 4: Use a support sling for your senior dog

Granny dogs need a little help with walking.

Using a dog support sling can help senior dogs to get up and get on their feet. This is perfect if you are trying to keep them stay active as they can easily walk, climb, slow run, and get around with it, but, of course, with your little help. 

Tip 5: Make small changes to your senior dog’s environment

Small changes create big impacts for them!

You don’t need to change their spot in your house entirely; just a little change can make a great impact on their well-being. For example, add more carpet around your home so senior dogs can get up easily, as they may be more prone to slip on hardwood or tile floors. You may also want to consider dog socks for their soles. 

Image Source: Pixabay

Compared to younger dogs, senior dogs need delicate and very particular requirements to take care of them. The best thing that pawrents can do is to ease the pain that senior dogs may feel.