Just as with people, dogs go through different phases in life wherein their needs change quite a bit. How you care for a puppy is much different from how you look after your adult dog. Senior dogs, too, have their own set of needs that must be met to continue living happily and healthily.
It is not always easy to know just how to care for a senior dog. The fact is that there are many breeds, specifically of larger dogs, which do not tend to live into their senior years. However, with the right care and attention, you can help your senior dog to live their best life for as long as possible.
The key to caring for a senior dog is to pay close attention to how their moods, physical abilities, and general demeanors change. By taking your cues from your dog, you can help guide them into their senior years and know just what they need from you.
If your dog is advancing in years and you have noticed them beginning to enter into the next phase of their life, here are a few tips for how you can keep them happy and healthy.
Talk to Your Vet
The first thing you should when your dog reaches a certain age is to have a conversation with your veterinarian about what changes you should make to the care of your dog. They will be able to point you in the right direction for things like the right food for a senior dog and the level of exercise they need from here on out.
Your vet will also be able to offer your dog physical evaluations on a more routine basis to catch any issues that might develop as early as possible. Preventative care is truly the best way to ensure that you stay on top of your pet’s health as they age.
If you do not have a regular vet that your dog is currently registered with, now is the time to take care of this. You can find a qualified and reliable veterinarian who can help you to care for your senior dog from easyvet.
Adjust Your House
One of the early indicators that you might become aware of showing that your dog is aging pertains to their physical capabilities. A dog that could once comfortably leap onto the sofa for a rest now struggles to pull itself up.
The best thing that you can do at this point in time is make some simple adjustments to your home to make it easier for your dog to get around and enjoy resting in their usual spots. For instance, a small set of steps or a ramp leading up to the sofa or the bed can really help your dog to access its favorite spots.
Ensure that you also keep your dog away from big flights of stairs when you are not around to help them avoid getting injured.