As your dog ages, they become less mobile, their hearing and sight aren’t as good, and they are more prone to various diseases. Still, dogs can spend their golden years healthy and happy!
Not all dogs are considered seniors at the same age, so it is important to notice the first signs of aging and take the necessary steps to keep your dog healthy.
Prioritize Proper Nutrition
As dog’s age, their nutritional requirements change and evolve. The goal of proper senior nutrition is to help minimize the effects of aging on your dog. The right food and supplements for senior dogs should be considered an essential building block of healthy aging to minimize the signs of growing older and enhance your dog’s quality of life.
By adding a “dog friendly” Probiotic to your dog’s meals, you can ensure great digestive support, and your dog will be able to process and use the best nutrients for their overall health. An efficient working digestive system will help your dog enjoy:
- Healthy balanced energy
- Stronger immune system function
- Increased nutrient absorption for increased longevity
- More consistent “poos”
- Healthier skin and coat
A couple of excellent adult Dog Digestive Supplements are Dr. Marty’s ProPower Plus, and Ultimate Pet Nutra Thrive!
Exercise Them Regularly
Regular exercise will help your dog maintain their ideal weight and will also have a beneficial impact on their overall health. You can talk to your vet and ask for a recommended exercise program, given the health and limitations of your dog.
Start slowly and build your dog’s stamina with regular walks and light jogs if they can run. As a dog ages, they have lower energy levels, so even though your pup was able to run for half an hour before, they might not be able to do it once they get older.
Maintain Oral Health
Most older dogs don’t get the proper dental care during their adult life, so it is not uncommon to see them with a few missing teeth. Dental care is an important part of grooming and should be performed regularly from a young age.
To keep your dog’s teeth healthy, brush them, and if your dog isn’t a fan, start giving them dental treats. Also, it would help if you took your dog to the vet once a year to have their teeth professionally cleaned.
Provide Special Accommodations
Older dogs often develop arthritis or other bone and joint problems that affect their mobility. Your senior pup might benefit from soft bedding and an easily accessible orthopedic bed that doesn’t require jumping or climbing. Also, climbing up and down the stairs can be difficult, so your dog should avoid doing that if possible. If there is no way for your dog to avoid stairs, you can buy or build a doggy ramp that will make their movements much easier. Another solution is to install dog-proof gates and restrict their access to the stairs.
Aging is the natural process of life, and every dog owner should be prepared for it. With proper elderly dog care and attention, your dog will maintain their health and continue to lead a happy life for many years to come!
At Blue Star Labradoodles, we can provide you with a furry best friend that will be an important member of your family for many years. Both our male and female Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodles have gentle, loving temperaments, are easy to train, and have joyful personalities!
Contact us at (509)979-0949 to learn about our upcoming litters and available puppies.
Leave a Reply