Older dogs often have more complex medical needs and may develop chronic diseases like diabetes or glaucoma. You may notice that your dog gets tired sooner and moves more slowly as he ages.
Your pup may also need nutritional supplements to keep him as healthy as possible as he gets older. This can cause financial hardship for owners who aren’t prepared to deal with these expenses. Fortunately, there are online pet pharmacies such as Canada pet pharmacy with affordable and convenient options.
Older dogs have different care requirements than their younger counterparts do. Here are five ways to help make sure your dog lives his best life in his senior years.
Your older dog may have more medical expenses.
1. Proper Diet
Your dog needs a balanced diet as he ages. Older dogs can easily develop obesity, as they’re often not as active as when they were younger. You may need to find food that has been designed to prevent senior dogs from gaining too much weight. The food’s fat content will be lower and it will have fewer calories, but should still meet your pet’s nutritional needs.
You can also consult your vet if your senior dog might need special food for certain conditions.
2. Exercise
Exercise is beneficial for your dog’s health and will also help him maintain a healthy weight. You can ask your vet for an exercise program, especially if your pet has certain physical limitations.
If your dog doesn’t have an injury, it’s important that he keeps getting as much exercise as possible to keep his strength and muscle tone up. Daily walks can also help older dogs keep the weight off while keeping their joints healthy.
Take it slow when you exercise your older dog, as they will have lower energy levels. Spend as much time as you can with your pet, as they do tend to get anxious as they get older. Your presence will reassure them, and the exercise will help them stay mentally and physically healthy.
3. Trips to the Vet
Your older dog should have a checkup every six months. As your pet gets older, his immune system will also become weaker, and he will be more prone to developing certain conditions.
Your dog also needs regular dental care. You should brush his teeth regularly, give him dental treats and take him to the vet once a year to have his teeth checked.
Continue giving your senior dog treatments for flies, ticks, and other parasites as they age. Older dogs also need certain vaccinations, but not at such regular intervals as younger dogs.
4. Regular Grooming
Your senior dog’s coat and skin could be looking dull and become brittle. His skin might also be irritated, dry, and flaky. It’s best to use natural shampoos that can nourish your pet’s skin and coat.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is an important part of grooming and healthcare as it will keep his mouth healthy. If you can’t brush at all, get toys that keep the teeth clean, or dental treats.
5. Make Life Easier for Your Pet
Older dogs may develop joint issues and struggle with mobility. If your dog goes blind, he might also have trouble reaching his sleeping quarters. Make sure his bed is easily accessible and that he doesn’t have to jump or climb to reach it.
Your pet might have to avoid climbing stairs, so it’s a good idea to move his bed and food and water bowls to a convenient location. Also, if your senior dog is blind or partially blind, try not to move furniture in your house, as he may bump into objects and injure himself if his surroundings change.
Final Thoughts
Your pet’s needs will change as he gets older, and you will have to learn how to take care of an older animal. If you take care of your pet properly and give him the attention he deserves, your dog could still lead a fulfilling and happy life for many years to come.
