Anyone who has spent any time around the elderly knows that aging is the pits. Your brain and body don’t work the way they used to, and things seem to be uncomfortable more often than not. It can be difficult to go through that change yourself, but it’s also hard to watch a loved one go through it – especially if it’s a beloved pet.
(Pixabay / Leo_65)
Dogs bring so much joy to the people around them that it seems unfair that that they should have to endure the aging process. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to make your pet more comfortable through the aging process.
Consider Their Physical Needs
Elderly dogs are a lot like elderly people in what they need to stay active. You might need to go through your house and update some things to help your dog stay comfortable.
For one thing, old dogs have a hard time regulating body temperature, so making sure that they have a blanket to curl up in or a heated bed can help them stay warm and lessen joint pain. Additionally, if you have slippery surfaces in places your dog frequents (example: in front of the food or water bowl), you can lay down some non-slip tape or a rug to help your dog keep his footing.
You might also want to acquire a ramp to help your arthritic pet get onto your bed or the couch, into your car, or up the stairs. Similarly, if your dog has sight problems, keep your house (or at least a path to their favorite spots) clear so that there aren’t obstacles to trip over or run into, and try to keep the furniture arrangement the same.
It’s also important to keep paying attention to your dog’s teeth. Continue getting their teeth cleaned (even if there are fewer of them than there used to be), and offer dental chews in between appointments.
Along that same vein, you should continue to take your dog to your local dog groomers to be washed and brushed. Their skin and hair is more delicate and prone to drying out than it used to be, and getting pampered can help it keep its luster.
Don’t Skimp on Stimulation
You’ve probably “felt your age” a time or two with joint stiffness, feeling tired after a short run, or general fatigue. Dogs can feel the same way. However, it’s essential to stimulate your dog both mentally and physically, even when they can’t move around well.
Short walks, a fun toy or puzzle, and lots of soft play and pets will work wonders for your dog’s body and mind. Just keep it gentle and try not to overdo it.
Senior Dog Food
Senior dog food? Is that even a thing? The answer to that is both yes and no.
The two main dog food choices are categorized into “puppy” and “adult” because of the differing needs of the two ages. Puppies need a ton of calories because they’re burning through them all day as they run circles around you. Adult dogs don’t need as many calories because they don’t burn as many throughout the day.
Senior dog food is marketed for dogs that are old for their size group. Small dogs usually reach “senior status” between 10 and 12 years, medium dogs around seven or eight years, and large dogs around five or six years.
There’s a little bit of controversy about the necessity of using senior dog food – mostly because it’s an unregulated market. For the most part, senior dog foods have more fiber and fewer calories, but that doesn’t mean you need to switch your dog over. Many dogs stay eating adult dog food for the rest of their lives.
Talk to your vet to see if a senior dog food is right for your dog. If your pooch has any underlying health conditions, switching might not be the best option for him.
What if he Won’t Eat?
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for senior dogs to have difficulty eating what they used to scarf down with ease. Gum disease, tooth decay, sore jaw joints – these all play a role in your dog avoiding the food they used to love.
You can try adding a little bit of liquid – such as the water from canned tuna fish or chicken – to the bowl to help soften the kibbles, or you might switch to smaller kibbles altogether. Your vet can also help you find recipes for homemade food that will still meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
Supplements
Your vet might recommend that you give your dog supplements. Arthritis is common in older dogs, and joint supplements can calm down inflammation in stiff joints. It can also help keep the cartilage healthy and supple, which reduces discomfort.
Fiber supplements are also a good choice for senior dogs because they tend to get constipated. Their bodies don’t absorb nutrients the way they used to, so a fiber supplement can help keep them doing their “doody” with ease and regularity.
Your dog has brought you years of joy and vitality. Caring for him as he ages is arguably the best way to show him your appreciation.
