Our Top Tips for Keeping Your Senior Dog Healthy

Is your canine buddy in his golden years? This is a very special period in Fido’s life. While puppies are fantastic, senior dogs are also adorable. As your fuzzy best friend gets older, you may find that he becomes more affectionate. Older dogs are typically very quiet and loving. They only want affection, belly rubs, and, of course, treats. Some of Fido’s care regimens, including his nutrition and workout habits, will have to be modified as he gets older. A local Mapleton, UT veterinarian provides some advice on this topic below.

Keep That Tail Going With Playtime

Playing can still be enjoyable and helpful for an older dog. You may need to shift your focus from burning off excess energy to challenges that test Fido’s intelligence.

Here are some games to try:

• Hide and Seek
• Scavenger Hunts
• Puzzle Toys
• Three Cups
• Snuffle Mats

Fido may still love playing games like Fetch. Just be careful not to overwork him! Our canine friends are so loyal that they will go to tremendous measures to please their owners, even if it means exhausting themselves.

Offer A Great Diet

Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on when it is appropriate to switch to senior food. This will need to be done gradually over a few days.

You may also need to serve Fido smaller portions. Most dogs require fewer calories as they age. That is to be expected. Fido will be less active than before, therefore he will require less gasoline. However, certain dogs may require additional calories. If your furry friend has a thin coat, he may require additional food to stay warm. For more information, please contact Mapleton, UT.

Provide Your Furry Pal With Simple Comforts

Small changes can have a big influence in this situation. Make sure your canine buddy’s bed is super comfortable. We normally advise people to use orthopedic beds for elderly dogs since they provide additional support. You may even want to get your pup a few different beds. That way, Fido will have a comfortable location to sleep at your feet, regardless of which room you’re in.

Pet ramps or steps can also be quite useful, especially if your furry friend has difficulty ascending stairs or entering and exiting the car.

Take Care of Fido’s Paws

Nail trims might not seem like a big deal, but they are more crucial than most people know. If Fido’s claws become too long, they will alter the angle of his toes with the ground. This could limit his movement and stride, increasing the likelihood of a dangerous slip and fall. Furthermore, this could aggravate or worsen arthritis.

Visit the Mapleton, UT Veterinary Clinic

As your canine companion gets older, he may require more frequent trips to our clinic. While it is always vital to watch for signs of illness, this is especially true for elderly dogs.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• Bad Breath
• Stiffness
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Swelling
• Difficulty With Stairs
• Trouble Getting Up Or Down
• Restlessness
• Vision Loss
• Itching 
• Skin and Fur Issues
• Accidents
• Appetite Changes
• Diarrhea
• Breathing Issues
• Urinary Difficulties
• Disorientation
• Lethargy
• Weight Loss or Gain
• Inconsistent Sleep
• Lameness
• Behavior Changes
• Anxiety

If you detect any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Give Fido’s Dinnerware A Pupgrade

Your veterinarian may suggest that you give your senior dog better tableware, and may recommend raised dishes. Many elderly dogs appreciate this since it prevents them from splaying their legs or straining their necks while eating. Some of our canine companions, particularly large dogs and those who ‘wolf’ down their meal, may be at risk of bloating, which can be extremely harmful. Ask for particular advice on this.

Make Sure Fido Receives Adequate Exercise

Pets, like humans, slow down with age. At this point in his life, Fido may be more inclined to catch Z’s than squirrels. It is pleasant to see an aging dog blissfully napping in his doggy bed, but do not let your furry pal become a couch potato. Your canine buddy needs to stay active! Regular exercise will help keep your puppy’s bones and muscles strong. It can also help with obesity, which is especially common in older pets.

Most dogs benefit from daily walks. You may discover that shorter, more frequent walks are the most effective. Swimming can be a fun hobby for some dogs, if it’s warm enough and they enjoy it. Ask your veterinarian for particular guidance.

Protect Your Four-Legged Friend From Harsh Temperatures

Older dogs are more sensitive to heat and cold than younger pets. If Fido’s fur is thin, he may require a jacket when it is chilly. You should also make sure that your furry pal’s bed isn’t in a drafty area in the winter or in direct sunlight in the summer. Provide plenty of fresh, clean water. In hot weather, have some extra dishes available. Provide warm, pleasant napping areas for your canine buddy this winter.

Keep Up With Grooming

Fido will most likely detest bath time just as much as he did as a puppy. However, grooming is more than just making the dog look and smell nice. It also has a huge impact on his comfort level! If your canine companion’s coat is clogged with dust, filth, and dead fur, it will become itchy and uncomfortable. Furthermore, it will not provide him with adequate weather protection.

If your canine pal is large—or even medium-sized—he may struggle to get into and out of the bathtub. You don’t want your cherished pet to slide and fall. It might be a good idea to visit a groomer. Fido frequently enters and exits their places with ease.

Pay Attention To Fido’s Dental Care

Senior dogs frequently suffer from dental problems. These can significantly affect your furry friend’s quality of life. Consult your veterinarian for advice on keeping those choppers clean. You should also watch for red flags, such as bleeding gums, foul breath, drooling, tartar accumulation, and dietary changes.

Consult Your Mapleton, Ut Veterinarian About Supplements

Supplements are not a cure-all, but they can help keep Fido healthy as he gets older. These are not general guidelines; what is best for your canine buddy is going to be determined by his age and condition. Don’t start your pup on anything without consulting your vet. For example, glucosamine and fish oil may improve joint health, but a dog with eyesight issues may benefit from Vitamin A. Pay strict attention to serving sizes, and if you’re starting something new, be on the lookout for unfavorable reactions.

Consider Treating Your Canine Companion To A Massage

Massages can be quite efficient at relieving tense muscles. Many dogs like a good rubdown! This can be a great way to pamper Fido a bit. Contact your veterinarian for further information.

Spend Lots Of Quality Time With Fido

Finally, ensure that your furry feels loved and safe. Spend lots of time with Fido! Talk to him, pet him, and simply ensure that he feels loved. You may have noticed that the time we spend with our canine companions passes quickly. Enjoy this special period in your cute pet’s life!

Conclusion: As your canine pal ages, he will benefit from little adjustments to his diet and activity regimen. Consult your veterinarian for specific guidance on how to care for your elderly dog.

Do you have any questions about your senior dog’s health or care? Contact your nearest pet hospital in Mapleton, UT now!