yellow dog paw and human hand shaking, friendship
Our dogs become a part of our family and just as family members grow old and have different requirements; a senior dog needs extra special care and attention.
Pay close attention to any changes in your dog’s behaviour
You ought to know your dog better than others; therefore, you need to make sure you notice any changes in your dog’s behaviour. Changes in behaviour may indicate that your dog has a disease. Look out for the following changes:
- Appetite and water consumption
- Urinary and bowel movements
- Sleep routines
- Seeing and hearing
- Mood (aggression, irritableness)
If your dog is experiencing such changes, take him/her to the veterinarian.
Take your dog for health check-ups
Regular visits to your veterinarian, at least twice a year, are recommended for senior dogs. Your dog needs extensive physical examinations in order to see if any health issues are impacting his/her comfort. Such issues may include:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Dental disease
Feed your dog a healthy diet
A senior dog needs appropriate food for his/her age. You need to ensure that your dog doesn’t gain too much weight as a result of too little activity; therefore, limit their calorie intake. Make sure they eat nourishing foods.
Make your dog’s mobility easier
If your dog is suffering from arthritis and other diseases that make mobility difficult, consider providing ramps on stairs, carpets on slippery floors and other assistance to ascend furniture or beds.
Ensure your dog has a comfortable dog bed
As your dog will be spending most of his/her time resting, provide a comfortable dog bed or cushion as well as blankets and towels to ensure maximum comfort.