March 29, 2024

Pet dogs today live longer than ever because of advancements in nutrition and veterinary care. However, similar to humans, they may develop age-related problems and difficulties as they become older, resulting in a potentially different set of requirements. The question is, how can you ensure your senior dog is happy and healthy?

Tips to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy

All dogs eventually reach senior status because aging is an inevitable part of life. The critical point is that aging canines have different needs than younger dogs. To ensure the health of your senior dog, you will need to take some more steps beyond the norm.

Following these guidelines will give you insight into what works best for your older dog’s health and happiness.

Adjust Their Diet As Needed

Like humans, canine nutritional requirements and tastes tend to shift with age. If that’s the case with your dog, switching around their mealtimes might help. Snacks eaten often throughout the day can be a great way to entice picky eaters. If they seem satisfied with their current diet, keep giving it to them. 

However, if your dog has worn or broken teeth, switching from dry to wet food may help them eat again. In addition, as their immune systems decline, senior dogs have a greater risk of developing cancer. Therefore, if your dog is showing any symptoms of sickness, you should consult a veterinary oncologist in Santa Rosa.

Keep Them Active

It’s vital for senior dogs to keep up with their exercise routines. Loss of muscular mass in dogs causes frailty syndrome, which has been linked to a hastened aging process. There may be something wrong if your dog’s activity level falls over time. 

Dog owners should keep an eye out for pain indicators in senior pets and see a vet from Montecito Veterinary Center, who specializes in geriatric care to determine the best course of action. Pet owners continue to believe that “slowing down” is a sign of aging. However, when this occurs, it is a sign of untreated pain. 

Update Their Vaccination and Parasite Protection

Your dog’s age makes no difference in preventing parasite infestations, including fleas, ticks, lice, and worms. If your pet is parasite-free, the excellent care you’ve been providing should continue.

However, vaccinations for senior dogs aren’t necessary as frequently. Even though it’s suggested every three years, you should always ask your vet for their specific recommendation for your dog.

Always Monitor Their Health

It doesn’t take a veterinarian to spot the symptoms of many diseases that affect senior dogs. You must watch your dog’s health in between appointments with the vet. It’s time to make an appointment with the vet if any of these signs persist.

  • Shortness of breath or other difficulty breathing
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Stiffness or limping
  • Weakness
  • Changes in appetite, water intake, or urination
  • Lumps
  • Coughing

Keep the contact information of a veterinary laboratory handy in case your pet is sick or injured. Since one may never know what will happen, it is essential to have an emergency plan in place. If you still don’t have their contact number, visit this link.

The Takeaway

Your dog’s necessities will change as they get older. Give them your full attention and the love they want and need. Your dog’s golden years might be best appreciated by spending quality time with them and appreciating every minute you have together.