Everyone and everything ages. The same holds true for your beloved dog. As pet parents, we want the absolute best for our pets. Just because your dog is far past their puppy years, doesn’t mean they still can't live their best and happiest life. This week we will look at tips to keep your aging pup happy and healthy.
1. STAYING ACTIVE Your pup’s energy level may not be what it was in puppyhood, but that doesn’t mean you should quit activities altogether. It’s vital to keep your dog active even when they get older. Playing and walking will still be rewarding for their physical and mental health and overall well-being. Exercise will also help maintain their weight. Extra weight on an older dog will have an effect on joints and overall health, so it's vital that their weight stays healthy.
2. EATING HEALTHY As dogs get older, it might be tempting to spoil them with treats and indulgent food, but try to keep their diet as healthy as possible. Weight gain can cause them to be uncomfortable in their older age. And before you run out to buy senior dog food, check with your veterinarian for the best dog food. Sometimes foods specially labeled for older dogs can be misleading.
3. MORE FREQUENT VET VISITS The usual recommendation is that your dog gets an annual checkup, but as the years go by, you will want to make sure those visits are more frequent. Set up a biannual or six-month checkup to make sure all is well. This will help ensure that any health issues are caught in a timely manner.
4. BE OBSERVANT As your dog ages, you’ll want to keep an eye out for subtle changes or signs of discomfort. Perhaps your dog is struggling to stand up, or to jump in the car. Things like adding carpet to help them stand up or elevating their food bowl to prevent neck strain are some examples of things you can change to make everyday movement easier. Whatever the circumstance, a vigilant eye will keep you aware of your dog’s needs and you can either adjust to their needs or bring up any concerns to your vet.
5. SPEND QUALITY TIME Busy schedules are unavoidable, but spending quality time with your dog is important, especially in their older years. Exploring new sights and sounds will also keep things fresh and stimulating. Quality time will also strengthen your bond and ensure that you enjoy every moment together.
FINAL THOUGHTS Whether your dog is barely hitting their golden years or well into them, these tips will help you transition comfortably into their elder years.
by Jessica Jimenez
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