Taking care of an elderly dog can be challenging and rewarding.
It may seem like yesterday you brought an energetic puppy home and your life changed forever. However, the years pass quickly, and you have noticed lately your dog is slowing down. Its youthful days are over, but your bond grows deeper as you appreciate owning a well-trained, calm senior pet. Your dog needs you more than ever right now to provide the best care during its golden years.
Instructions
1. Take your dog to regular veterinary checkups. Getting periodic medical exams is extremely important for elderly dogs. As it gets older, your dog's ability to fight off infection decreases so it is important to catch problems early. Older dogs are prone to arthritis, obesity, dental issues and loss of muscle mass, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Your vet will assess changes in your animal over time by comparing lab results and weight measurements. Blood test batteries become more important to detect illness early as well as ensure your pet can tolerate anesthesia if it needs its teeth cleaned or surgery.
2. Maintain a healthy diet. While there are many specially formulated senior dog foods on the market, the ASPCA advises making sure the one you pick does not have less protein. Research has shown that a dog's need for protein does not decrease with age. Elderly dogs often gain weight no matter how carefully they are fed, so a dog chow with fewer calories than regular dog food is best. A senior diet should contain antioxidants to reduce the affects of aging. Vitamin E and beta-carotene also boost the immune system. Gamma-linolenic acid is another important element of a senior diet. This omega-6 fatty acid helps dogs maintain healthy coats and skin.
3. Exercise your dog every day. Continue with your regular exercise habits but modify them for an elderly pet. Shorter walks are better if the dog suffers from arthritis but do not give up on walks entirely. Be mindful that the weather, heat and cold can affect an elderly pet more than a puppy or middle-aged dog. Provide plenty of water and breaks while exercising your dog. It is important to get your pet moving every day.
4. Avoid stress in your dog's life. While your dog might have loved week-long road trips as a youngster, it may now prefer a stay in the elderly pet wing of your local pet boarding facility when you hit the road. Trips can be more stressful to older dogs as can visits from family members, especially if they have energetic, small children. Keeping stress to a minimum is important for your pet's mental health and immune system. Older dogs find routine and predictability comforting. If stressful events like holiday parties or a new family pet addition cannot be avoided, give your elderly pet extra attention and reassurance.
5. Observe changes in your dog's behavior. You have learned your pet's body language and behavioral quirks over the years, and this will help you quickly zero in on problems. Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from cognitive dysfunction similar to dementia as they get older. Watch to see if your pet is suddenly fearful of everyday items or acts confused and lost in his own home. Keep an eye out for loss of appetite, issues with incontinence and problems getting up from a laying position. You know your dog best, and catching problems early can head off illnesses or alleviate discomfort from chronic conditions.
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