Caring for an Elderly Dog: A Guide

Veterinary care is advancing just as fast as human medicine, and, just like humans, dogs are living longer lives. However, while this is great news for dog lovers in many ways, it also means that caring for our dogs becomes more complex as time goes on, as elderly dogs need special care and attention. The age at which a dog reaches old age varies depending on the breed, as smaller dogs tend to live longer lives than large dogs. If your dog is nearing old age or you are considering adopting an older dog, this guide outlines how you can help them to live as comfortably as possible for as long as possible.

Preparing for the worst

When caring for an elderly dog, it is important to be realistic and practical about the inevitable day when they pass on. This may happen naturally at home, but sometimes elderly dogs struggle with numerous health issues and pains with diminishing quality of life for some time. In these cases, although a painful decision to make, it may be kinder to investigate pet euthanasia services. However, while your dog is still enjoying a relatively comfortable life, there are several steps you can take to help them.

Dental care

Dental hygiene is important at every stage of life, but, just as it does for humans, it becomes essential as dogs start to age. You should be brushing your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent decay and disease. Some dogs do not enjoy having their teeth brushed, there are plenty of dental toys and treats available which are designed to clean their teeth as they chew and gnaw.

Diet

Elderly dogs can develop sensitive digestive systems and will require food developed specifically for elderly dogs. They may also find it difficult to chew foods and/or may lose their appetite. You may need to introduce more fiber to their diet, which will help their digestion, or possibly supplements like fish oil to reduce inflammation and pain. If your dog is not exercising as much as they used to, their diet should be adjusted accordingly. Also, you will need Dog poop pickup service as well to maintain hygeine of your home.

Exercise

Your dog is likely to find exercise more difficult as they age finding it difficult to go and then return to the original location. It is important that they remain as active as possible to maintain their mobility for as long as possible. Shorter walks on even terrain are best, and you should be monitoring their breathing and looking for limps as you go. You might also want to invest in problem-solving toys to entertain your dog and keep their mind sharp. Click here to learn more about exercising an elderly dog.

Regular health checks

The older your dog gets, the more regularly you should be visiting the vet. The earlier an illness or injury is detected, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful. These vet checks may include blood tests and other tests that detect issues associated with certain breeds.

Adapting the home

When you brought your puppy home, you probably made several changes to your home to ‘puppy proof’ it. You should do the same now that your dog is getting older. This might include ramps to help them climb up and down steps or into/out of the car. Heated beds can help dogs with aching joints, and slippery floors should be made non-slip where possible.