Senior Pet Care Tips
If you have a senior dog, making subtle changes to your dog’s routine, veterinary care, and home environment can help them live a healthier and more comfortable life. Use these senior pet care tips to enhance your senior dog’s quality of life.
Tip 1: Keep Your Senior Dog Active
As dogs age, it’s essential that they continue to get plenty of exercise. If they don’t move it, they lose it. Muscle mass is the primary driver of metabolism, and dogs that lose muscle mass develop frailty syndrome, which accelerates the aging process. If a dog’s activity level gradually decreases over time, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Owners of old dogs should watch for subtle signs of pain and visit a veterinarian to devise an ideal treatment plan. Pet parents still think ‘slowing down’ is typical for old age. It isn’t always the case—it is indicative of untreated pain. Keeping your senior dog active will also help prevent weight gain. Keeping your dog thin is the most important thing you can do to help minimize the effects of arthritis.
Tip 2: Make Small Changes to Your Senior Dog’s Environment
If you have a senior dog, making minor adjustments to your home and environment can significantly impact you. Put down more carpeting around your home so that your old dog will have an easier time getting up and will be less likely to slip on hardwood or tile floors. Dog socks with rubberized, nonslip soles can also help provide traction for senior dogs.
It is also recommended that senior dog parents consider using dog ramps throughout their homes. Ramps are an excellent way to help dogs get into cars, up and down stairs, and onto furniture.
Tip 3: Invest in an Orthopedic or Heated Dog Bed
If you want to take care of a dog that is getting up in age, splurging on an orthopedic dog bed or a heated dog bed may help senior dogs suffering from arthritis and other joint problems. A pain-free, restful sleep is vast for older dogs. It can improve mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. A heated dog bed may help a senior dog with stiffness and joint problems. It has a built-in heater that warms up to your dog’s natural body temperature.
