Old Dog laying down

When your canine friend starts to get a little bit older, they may have a few different health requirements than they did when they were young. So, it is important to take good care of your senior dog to ensure that they get the care that they need to grow old gracefully.

Here are a few of the things we would recommend keeping an eye out for and how you can deal with them best. 

 

Is Your Dog Going Through Behavioural Changes?

 

Are you noticing any behavioural changes in your dog? It’s important to take a closer look at your dog’s behaviour – dramatic changes in the way that they act might be the sign of a disease. Pay close attention to how much they are eating and drinking, as well as changes in their sleep routine or toilet habits.

Also, if your usually laid-back and friendly dog becomes irritable for no reason – it might be because they are experiencing a lot of pain. You should ask your veterinarian for advice on what to do.

 

Older Dogs and Mobility

 

When your dog gets old and stiff, it will be more difficult for them to get around as they lose mobility. Be aware that they might be experiencing arthritis and other health issues that make it hard to get up off the floor or climb stairs. We’d recommend trying to place carpet on your slippery floor so that your dog can get its footing and consider adding a ramp to help your dog get in and out of its bed.

 

Changing Your Dog’s Diet

 

As your dog ages, its diet should change along with it. It is important to feed your dog age-appropriate dog food, which will be specially formulated for older dogs. Also, you will need to start giving your dog smaller portions, because they are naturally less active than when they are young so they will be burning fewer calories. Reducing their portion size will prevent weight gain.

 

Make Your Dog’s Bed More Comfortable

 

If your old dog is feeling a little tired and achy, having a warm and soft bed to lie in will really help. Provide plenty of soft towels and blankets for your dog’s bed, which will help him to sleep easier. In fact, you can even buy special beds that are designed for elderly dogs. Some beds even have a heat source, which can be very comforting for dogs with arthritis and decreased circulation.

 

These are just a few of the ways that you can care for your canine friend in their old age and have a happy and healthy old dog. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we will do our best to help in any situation.