Dogs in their golden years endure many of the same issues and changes as their senior human counterparts. Similar to humans, aged dogs are less tolerant of exercise and activity and may have limited mobility, tiredness, or painful joints. Degenerative disorders like arthritis can induce or exacerbate these changes. 

As they get older, dogs’ metabolisms naturally slow down. Older dogs are more likely to get fat, which can make joint or muscle problems worse, and they are often more sensitive to changes in temperature. Some aging dogs may lose weight and lose muscle. This can be caused by dental, renal, liver, or endocrine disorders.

Taking Care of Senior Pets 

Elderly dogs who have spent their entire lives serving and loving your family deserve the greatest treatment possible. If your dog is a senior, you may need to adopt new habits. Older dogs need different care than younger dogs. Continue reading for some advice on properly caring for your older dog.

1. Regulate Activity

To maintain strong muscles, bones, and joints, your dog must engage in regular physical activity without overexertion. You can tell that their lungs and hearts are weaker than they used to be.  Be extra careful when it’s hot or if your dog isn’t used to getting a lot of exercise. 

On walks, always have water available for your dog to drink and make sure he gets enough breaks. Having a sedentary senior dog increases the risk of obesity and mobility problems.

For geriatric pet care, you can search online for tips and suggestions by reading blog posts and articles to learn more.

2. Healthy Weight

Achieving a healthy weight is vital for your dog’s health as it ages since either weight increase or reduction can set the stage for future health issues. If you want to achieve this, make sure your dog is eating a high-quality diet tailored to their age and lifestyle, and consider giving them nutritional supplements to go along with their diet. 

If your pet is obese, it may be prone to heart ailments or disorders. If that happens, you need to consult a veterinary cardiology clinic to address the problem and remediate the pain and its effects. 

3. Dental Care

Most dogs don’t like it when their owners brush their teeth, so most dog owners don’t make them used to it. However, dental issues are inevitable once your dog reaches a certain age. Of course, brushing your dog’s teeth may and should be done to improve her dental hygiene. 

If this task appears impossible and torturous for you and your dog, give her some dental treats instead. Remember to have your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned every year by your veterinarian.

For severe dental problems that need surgery to correct it, you need to know the different types of vet dental surgeries available for your pet. A pet dental facility is where you will know this stuff.  

4. Provide Comfort

If your elderly dog has lost hearing or eyesight, there’s not much you can do. They may have trouble obeying directions, locating their bed, or getting around. Hearing or vision-impaired pets might be quickly startled, causing them to snap or growl. Set up cozy spots for your dog and show them how to get around the house, making them safe and comfortable. 

You can make sure your dog stays warm and comfortable in their own home as they get older by giving them sweaters when it’s cold, softer bedding, a ramp over the stairs, and rugs on any hardwood floors that might be slippery. Senior dogs shouldn’t be left outside in hot, cold, or rainy weather.

5. Regular Vet Visit

Keep your older dog healthy by taking her to the vet every six months at the very least. It’s heartbreaking, but as dogs become more senior, their immune systems weaken, leading to a variety of health issues. The vet will not only be able to treat any issues that are already there, but they will also try to keep other problems from happening.