As a dog owner, you know that the bond you share with your four-legged friend is unlike any other. Your dog is a part of your family, and you love them more than anything. You might even say your dog is like a child to you, and they deserve the same care and attention.
Whether they’re a young pup or an older one, taking good care of them will ensure they stay healthy for years to come. You love them, and they love you back.
But as your dog ages, it can become more difficult to care for them. It is especially true if your dog suffers from an illness or injury that requires treatment or medication. However, seniors don’t need to be confined to a walker. There are plenty of ways you can keep them active, healthy, and happy throughout their golden years.
Feed Them a Senior Dog Diet
According to Statista, the amount spent on pet food and treats was $50 billion in the U.S. in 2021. However, this amount does not include veterinary and other expenses. It means that dog owners are willing to spend a sufficient amount on their dog’s food.
Several foods can help keep your senior dog healthy. The easiest way to ensure your dog is eating a balanced diet is by feeding them a senior dog diet. A good rule of thumb when feeding your pup, look for the ingredients and nutrition label first before considering price or lifestyle.
If your furry friend has health issues such as diabetes or kidney disease, it’s important to read labels carefully so you can find something with fewer carbohydrates when possible. While most dogs need about 3-4% of their calories from protein, older dogs require less than 10% due to decreased energy requirements and slower metabolisms. So, make sure this number isn’t too high.
Ensure Regular Vet Checkups
The best way to ensure that your senior dog is happy and healthy is to take them to the vet regularly. You must take your dog for a checkup every year, and if you notice any unusual behavior or health issues, you should schedule an appointment with their veterinarian immediately.
You should also know what problems can arise with older dogs, including arthritis, cataracts, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, kidney failure, or liver disease. Other common issues seen in elderly dogs include dental problems such as tooth decay or gingivitis, skin infections, chronic ear infection, urinary tract problems, etc.
If you notice your senior dog acting strange or even looking at it, you may want to ask your vet about giving them medicine. Medicines for senior dogs often include things like:
- Pain relievers
- Allergy medications
- Antihistamines
In California, pet owners can also buy over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for their dogs online. However, the retail sale of medicine is subjected to sales tax. PetRx is an online retail provider of California pet meds, including OTC and prescription medicines. They provide all kinds of pet medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs for your furry friend.
They are committed to helping you keep your pets healthy by offering a wide selection of quality medications at affordable prices and delivering them to your doorstep.
Keep Them Physically Active
Here are a few handy tips:
- Get a dog walker
- Make sure they get out of the house
- Play fetch with them
- Go for walks
- Play tug of war and hide-and-seek with them
Maintain a Strict Oral Hygiene Routine
Brush your dog’s teeth. Get regular dental checkups for your dog. Brushing your senior dog’s teeth is important to maintain oral hygiene, but it’s also something that should be done regularly as part of a general grooming routine. Brushing can remove plaque and tartar build-up on their teeth, which can help prevent gum disease and other issues in the mouth.
It can also help remove food particles stuck between their teeth when they eat or drink. And because brushing removes bacteria from their mouths, it helps keep the pet healthier overall.
Supplement Their Diet with Joint Supplements
Joint supplements are a good way to help your dog’s joints. These supplements can be purchased from a vet or online and will vary in cost depending on the brand and type you choose. According to the American Pet Products Association, people spent over $64.1 billion on vet care products, supplies, live animals, and OTC medicines in the U.S. in the year 2021.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are ingredients in many joint supplements and can help with pain management. Other vitamins may benefit your senior dog, such as Vitamin B6, which helps with inflammation.
Watch the Weather
It’s important to keep an eye on the weather, especially if you have a senior dog. As your dog ages, it may not be as good at regulating its body temperature as when they were younger. Thus, if it gets too hot or humid outside for your senior dog, it could lead to overheating and heat stroke.
According to PETA, 51 deaths of dogs were reported in 2022 due to heat and dehydration. It means that weather and surrounding conditions have a huge impact on dogs.
To prevent your dog from heat stroke or dehydration, do the following.
- Keep them inside when it’s too hot outside
- Use a cooling pad
- Give them frequent breaks from exercise
- Hydrate them properly
Spend Extra Time with Them
Spending extra time with your senior dog is a great way to help them stay healthy. You don’t have to spend hours each day. Just a few minutes in the morning and evening will do.
If you are walking your senior dog, make sure it can walk slowly without problems. If they are struggling, it might be best to carry them or put them in a stroller so they can rest while walking around the neighborhood.
It is also good for older dogs if they have access to an indoor pool or small kiddie pool where they can lie down and relax after spending some time outside playing fetch or running around the home.
Conclusion
Taking care of an aging dog is a commitment. Your dog will likely live for many more years, and you’ll need to be there for them. Of course, you should be prepared for some challenges along the way, but if you’re committed to helping your dog stay healthy, it can be well worth it for both.
These tips will help you keep your dog healthy and happy as they age. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.