A Pet Owner’s Guide to Taking Care of a Senior Dog
It might not be easy, but seeing your pet dog grow older is a joy. Dogs of different ages have distinct needs. Your dog’s health will always decline after they reach a specific age. Like humans, aging in dogs is frequently a progressive process that starts with minor alterations in appearance and behavior. The following pointers will help you take good care of your elderly dog while they deal with some of the difficulties that come with becoming older.
Regular Checkups
Your dog’s immune system decreases with age, making them at risk for several illnesses. Senior pets need geriatric veterinary care, and it is advised to increase wellness exams from once to twice a year. This will establish baselines for your pet’s health and make it easier to identify “clinically silent health concerns.”
Vaccinations
For your elderly pet’s lifestyle, your veterinarian will decide on the most effective vaccination plan. The majority of vaccinations for senior canines are usually given every three years. For example, veterinarians may administer kennel cough, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease vaccinations more frequently because they protect for a shorter period. Check out this dog vaccinations near me page for your dog’s vaccination plan.
Age-Appropriate Diet
It’s tempting to begin indulging your pet more in their older age; however, it’s more important than ever to keep their diet healthy and balanced. A well-balanced diet plays a significant role in keeping your dog healthy even when they age. Older canines are at higher risk of developing obesity since they no longer have the same energy levels.
Oral Care
The risk of kidney and heart troubles increases as a canine ages because its teeth become more susceptible to infection. Regular brushing with a finger brush and toothpaste made especially for dogs is recommended for pet parents. They should consult a veterinarian if they observe any resistance, bleeding, swelling, or pain symptoms.
Laboratory Testing
When dogs reach middle age, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends receiving laboratory tests at least once yearly. Your pet’s “baseline” values can be found by laboratory screening while they are healthy. Laboratory examinations are encouraged every six months for dogs in their senior years and more often for animals with health issues. If you need more info about lab testing, go check it out here.
Compounded Drugs
A compounded medication is often practical when a pet needs a medication that a conventional veterinarian pharmacy can not give. The active chemicals and components that compounding drug stores have access to are unavailable to other drug stores. A veterinarian compounding pharmacy can produce pet medications in dosage forms that are easy to administer. A veterinary compounder can dilute a medication to make the flavor less bitter.
Regular Grooming
Age-related dullness and brittleness of your dog’s coat and skin can result in dry, flaky, and irritated skin. It’s essential to give them regular at-home grooming treatments, including brushings and baths, and to search for any new lumps, bumps, or aggravated areas. Make careful to plan additional baths if your dog is incontinent.
Conclusion
While not all dogs age the same, it is a fact that they all get old at some time. A dog’s activity level decreases as they age, and it may have trouble walking or get cataracts or hearing loss. Every owner should be ready for aging since it is a normal part of the world. Your dog will remain healthy and live happily for many years with the proper senior dog care and attention.
