All young pups with boundless energy eventually grow up to become senior dogs who require help to get comfortable and through the day. It’s difficult to imagine how a senior dog was once running around and chewing all your shoes. Pups grow up and become a part of the family. Shouldn’t you treat them in a special way even in their old age?
Remember, your furry friend has been taking good care of you for several years. It’s important to return the favor to avoid pain and regret in the end. In this article, we are going to share with you five tips that will help you make your senior dog’s life more comfortable. Let’s get started!
1. Exercise and play regularly
According to essay writing service, dogs are similar to human beings in many ways. They need to stay active to be happy and healthy. Although your senior pup might be slowing down, exercise is important for their body, mind, and soul. Gentle and low-intensity exercises and games are important for your dog. Pay close attention to your dog while he is engaging in these activities. Excessive play or intense exercises can lead to serious injuries.
2. Prioritize routine visits to the vet
Let’s face it. We have a lot do to do at work, school and at home. However, getting behind on vet visits is not good for your senior dog. Monitoring your senior dog’s behavior and health can make a huge difference.
To improve the health of your aging pup, you need to stay current on vaccinations and checks. If you notice any changes in eating habits, behavior, or mood, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet. Don’t attribute anything weird to old age. These could be symptoms of underlying conditions that need close attention.
You also need to groom your dog regularly. As your pup gets old, his skin can get dry. Form the habit of brushing out the coat and trimming nails. Rubbing his coat thoroughly will help you find lumps and bumps before they become serious. As dogs get older, extra awareness and attention will make all the difference.
3. Socialize your senior pup with other dogs
Who doesn’t like the occasional night out with loved ones? Dogs are no different. Regardless of their age, dogs are social creatures. Setting updates and taking your dog to the park can improve his health. Dog daycare is another great way you keep your dog engaged socially all day under supervision. Isolating your dog from other dogs can lead to stress, anxiety, and a host of health issues.
4. Feed him senior pet diet
When feeding a senior pet, you should focus on maintaining the ideal body weight and maintaining health. A diet designed for senior dogs will slow the development of serious diseases and minimize health risks that might be present.
Senior dogs need easily chewable and digestible diet. Today, there are species-specific diets that will prolong the life of your furry friend. Senior dogs require about twenty percent less calories and fats compared to younger dogs since their metabolic rate has declined. You need to feed senior dog diets that contain easily digestible protein to help in maintaining optimum muscle mass.
5. Teach your dog how to use a ramp
It’s always important to teach a senior dog how to use a ramp to climb high places. When old pups jump up and down, they are subjected to the laws of physics and this can lead to serious injuries.
Aging dogs with shoulder, elbow, neck, or spine conditions are highly vulnerable to serious injuries from jumping. That’s why it’s important to invest in dog ramps. Dog ramps will help your senior dog get into and out of the car, bed, and furniture easily.
You need to start teaching your dog how to use a ramp before he needs it. Using the ramp requires some training and practice. Having a plan B in place will protect your dog against injuries in the future.
Bonus tip: Add safety features to your bath time routine
If your old dog struggles to stand upright on all four legs or his muscle strength has declined, it’s important to add safety features on a slippery bathtub to avoid terrifying experiences. Placing a dog in wet tub changes how the paws grip the ground. If a dog is not stable, the whole body tenses and the brain triggers hormones associated with anxiety and stress.
The fight or flight response can lead to scrambles and injuries.
Conclusion
There are a lot of ways to make your senior dog’s life comfortable. It’s important to reciprocate the love and attention that they’ve had for you all these years. Be patient. Visit the vet regularly and feed them the right meals. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Author Bio:
Emma Coffinet produces content for websites like essay writing service, blogs, articles, white papers, and social media platforms. She is keen on capturing the attention of a target audience. Feel free to connect with her on Twitter.