While we do not intend to give it much thought, our furry buddies will age and get old just like us. Furthermore, the senior years of our four-legged buddies come faster than us, so it’s essential to understand your pet’s adjustments and be prepared to get on top of their necessities. Doing so helps you plan for their care and what changes you should make to facilitate your dog’s healthy aging.
So how do you better care for your senior pet to improve its quality of life?
How to Care for Senior Dogs
As your furry companion enters their golden years, you must ensure they’re comfortable and healthy so you can enjoy the remaining time you have together. Their abilities may slow down, and they may be less enthusiastic than before, but this isn’t something to worry about. So we’ve collected five pointers to help your furry buddy adapt to a better and different lifestyle as they age.
1. Keep their diet plan healthy
Canines of any age need high-quality dog foods, especially seniors. You can choose from countless popular dog brands, and finding the best options for your aging pet is simple. The nutritional requirements of your senior pet may slightly change as they’ll require fewer calories and more protein. So the food you must give them must support their health.
Have you considered getting a pet wellness plan from animal facilities Charlotte ProvidenceVets? This is an excellent option to consider if you’re finding ways to reduce the veterinary expenses on your furry companion’s routine preventative care.
2. Take your senior dog for semi-annual veterinary visits
Even if you believe there’s nothing wrong with your senior canine, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet twice a year. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) encourages consistent pet exams to establish baselines for your senior dog’s health and guarantee clinically silent health irregularities are addressed or managed sooner rather than later. You may click here to learn more about the importance of routine pet exams.
3. Buy heated dog beds
Buying orthopedic or heated dog beds can help senior canines with joint problems and arthritis. This is a fantastic way to take care of your senior pet, as this dog bed may give them a peaceful and pain-free sleep. Additionally, this can help reduce joint pains and bolster mobility and quality of life.
4. Keep them active, but never overdo it
Going for shorter, slower, and more frequent daily walks with your senior pet is a great way to prevent muscle atrophy. Even if they can’t go as far as they used to, shorter and more frequent walks can benefit their mental and physical health. If you have questions regarding your senior pet’s recommended lifestyle, the best vet for senior cats can give more personalized and expert advice.
5. Watch them more carefully
While letting your dog run loose in the backyard is okay, they’ll need you to watch them outdoors as they age. Senior pets naturally experience decreased vision and hearing. They might wander outside the backyard mistakenly and forget to discover their way home. To have happier senior dogs, watch them regularly and change the environment of your house and yard to prevent them from injuring themselves and others.
