9 Tips for Properly Caring for Older Dogs
Your daily habits, requirements, and behavior might alter as you become older. However, the same can’t be said about your cute little animal friends. Unfortunately, the average lifespan of a dog is far lower than that of a human. When your pet reaches the age of seven, they are already regarded as seniors. This is because, on average, they are already considered to be 56 years old when measured in dog years.
How to Care For Your Old Dog
A great deal once your pet reaches the age of 10 or higher, as this is the point at which it is already deemed to be geriatric and needs proper caring for old cats and dogs. Consequently, and in the same way that an elderly person does, your senior and fuzzy geriatric pets have an increased requirement for direction, aid, and care. In particular, if you are a senior yourself and a fur-parent to a senior pet, you may find the following advice helpful in understanding how to properly care for senior pets:
1. Keep Your Pet Active
Senior dog wheelchairs keep pets active and benefit from exercise to keep muscles and bones working. Encourage your elderly dog to exercise often to improve its general health. As a senior dog, being active boosts your pets health. A dog wheelchair might help if your dog has trouble walking or mobility concerns.
2. Senior Friendly Home
Senior pets often have a different behavior. They age like humans, also lose strength and energy as they age so keeping a senior friendly home helps them do more movement and activity. Move plates and cups from the second floor for easier access. Several retirement facilities allow pets if the pet is with the elder in assisted living. They provide programs that help both pet owners and dogs.
3. Exercise Your Senior Dog
Seniors and older dogs benefit from exercise. Senior dogs require regular exercise. Like any elderly person, they need it to be healthier. Walking, jogging, and strolling are examples. Regular exercise keeps dogs happy and healthy by maintaining their weight because an overweight old dog limits its activity to do regular movements and regular activities that they do not like when they are still young . High-intensity workouts can also stress or injure your pet. On the other hand, weather is also very crucial for senior dogs, they are particularly vulnerable to weather extremes, which may require weather updates more than younger dogs. Make sure they’re well-hydrated in summer and well-covered in winter.
4. Feed Your Senior Dog a Good Diet
Senior dogs have different demeanor, strength, and appetite. Senior pet owners must know this. Include fatty acid-rich meals. Make fruit and veggie favorites. Your vet may recommend special diets for older dogs. On the other hand, vaccination is not only important for young pets but also for senior pets. You may search for “puppy vaccinations schedule” for more information.
5. Haircuts
Senior dogs need regular grooming. Always keep them tidy and neat to avoid tangling of hair which may cause irritation that could lead to scratching and could result in wounds. Consult your vet about this, but regularly grooming your pet is recommended.
6. Oral Care
Senior dogs need more dental care than when they were younger. They may have plaque and buildup, which can cause infection. Healthy oral and dental conditions may add two years to a dog’s life.
7. Take Your Senior Dog on Trips
Senior pets and owners need special trips. Not only it helps their physical strength, it also helps their well being like us human beings. Keeping your dog active and outside keeps him happy. This reduces their boredom and worry,increasing your dog’s trust is a big factor to their well being as a pet. It makes your pets happy knowing that they are together with their master.
8. Physicals
Senior dogs need an annual physical check up. The care and attention for older dogs are significantly more rigorous considering their condition. So, have them evaluated for a wellness plan for dogs to track their general health.
9. Regularly Check Senior Pet’s Eyes
Your dog’s eye might reveal its health. As they mature, they acquire eye issues. It is best to maintain regular eye check ups of seniors because a faulty eye could lead to possible injuries or yet a more serious problem like cataract, glaucoma and worse, blindness. Always examine their eyes or have veterinarians do so.
Conclusion
Senior dogs demand more attention and care than younger pets. This is more challenging for pet owners because more effort is required because they become more fragile by the minute. Going the extra mile for your senior won’t hurt considering they are part of the family, just follow simple instructions and tips to make it more easy for you and your pet.
