Your dog has developed a fear of thunderstorms; its muzzle turned gray; its hind legs are stiff, and it cannot hear you call its name. These signs of aging become apparent in time, and the trouble with stairs, disorientation, and nighttime wandering kicks in.
At this juncture, your dog is setting foot in its sunset years. The horizon is quite conspicuous, but you are not ready to throw in the towel. And with a bit of effort, you can give your dog the care it requires during the last bit of time, which you share.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a dog is considered a senior pet when it clocks 6-7 years. This is the equivalent of the mid-40s for tiny and medium breeds in human years. For large breeds, it is roughly the equivalent of the early 50s.
It is sad to know that your senior pet finds its favorite game of catch pretty strenuous. It is heartbreaking to realize that it cannot jump up to its favorite seat by the window. However, though the senior pet might require a bit extra paw-holding, it is more of an honor than a burden – due to all the moments they have been there for us!
If you are deliberating about making your senior pet happy, below, we have listed eight tips to have a joyous senior pet and assist them in overcoming these new issues.
1. Age-Appropriate Diet
A balanced diet serves a crucial role in preserving your pet’s wellbeing even when they age. Older dogs stand a big risk of becoming obese because they no longer possess the same amount of energy as they did years ago. Hence, getting the best dog food prepared for senior dogs is crucial to curb potential weight increases.
These are frequently low in fat and have lesser calories, which will complement the pet’s nutritional demands. And because older dogs frequently suffer from several conditions, you should talk to your vet if your pet requires a special kind of senior dog food for their condition.
2. Go for Adventures
Quality time with your pet gets more necessary as they age. Hence, make the most of every moment together. Get in the vehicle and check out the park, the beach, or even the forest, which you usually do not visit, and this brightens up your dog’s day.
3. Regular Exercise
Exercising will assist your pet in maintaining its ideal weight, which will impact its general health. You can ask your vet for an exercise program that caters to the dog’s limitations.
Do not be in a rush; begin slowly and build your dog’s stamina with frequent walks and light jobs if they can run. As a dog grows old, its energy level decreases; hence, if your pup used to run for thirty minutes before, they cannot do it once they grow old.
4. Frequent Vet Checkups
Visiting the vet care regularly is one of the most crucial things for caring for senior dogs. As your pet grows old, its immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to all kinds of illnesses.
That is why vets recommend taking a senior dog for checkups every six months. This will allow your vet to identify any issues before they become serious. It also enables you to give your pet the best treatment possible. Additionally, pet health insurance companies like Bivvy offer affordable coverage options that protect your pet in case of injuries and illness. This can also help pay for prescription medication, hospitalization, x-rays and ultrasounds, emergency care, and even orthodontic treatment. By protecting your senior dog with pet health insurance, you can ensure it remains happy and healthy.
5. Maintain Oral Health
Many old dogs do not get the appropriate dental care in their adult lives; hence, seeing senior pets with a few missing teeth is not rare. Dental care is an essential part of grooming and must be performed frequently from a tender age. To keep your pet’s teeth healthy, start washing them daily. And once a year, ensure they get cleaned professionally.
6. Vaccination and Parasite Protection
Age does not count when it comes to parasite protection. That is why you should continue administering the appropriate treatments like before.
Senior pets do not need vaccines at similar intervals. Once in every three years is sufficient.
7. Regular Grooming
As your dog grows old, its once luxurious and shiny coat tends to become dull and fragile. They are also inclined to suffer from dry skin, which worsens if neglected. Hence, you will have to brush your dog more often, specifically to avoid the development of tangles.
8. Provide Special Accommodations
Senior pets often develop arthritis and other joint issues, negatively impacting their mobility. In addition, a blind dog will have challenges trying to jump on the sofa. In these cases, the pet can benefit from soft bedding that is easily accessible.
A dog with limping back leg means that the pet potentially suffered a fracture and it can hardly use the stairs, so it is advisable you construct a doggy ramp, which will improve its movement.
Final Thoughts
Predictably, your pet’s demand will change as they grow old. Hence, be sure to give them all the love they need. Spending time together is the greatest way of enjoying your dog’s senior years.
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