For us our dogs will always be little fur balls, even if their muzzle is beginning to gray. However, there will be a day when we observe that our little bundle of joy is not as active as before and pants a bit harder after a long play session.
We all want that our dogs live a healthy and happy life. With the right combination of preventive care and lifestyle adjustments, the lives of our dogs can be extended. If you want your older dog to have a healthy and long life, consider adopting these tips into your pet care routine.
Keep a Check on Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene becomes increasingly important as your dog ages. Dogs having a plaque build up are also at a risk of developing heart and kidney problems. Professional cleaning and regular brushing can help prevent dental diseases and tooth decay. Pet parents can also feed their doggies our Cheese Jerky as it is crispy and crunchy and great for dental hygiene.
Make Changes around your House
We all made changes in our house when we brought our doggo home. Similarly, some changes at this stage would ease their day to day life. As dogs grow older their vision may get impaired, keeping food and water in areas they can easily reach will be of immense help. For pooches with joint issues or hip dysplasia, a ramp can be used so that they can easily get in car or climb your bed.
Add a supplement like Liquid Gold* into their diet, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is much required for dogs who suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia or joint related issues. Additionally, heated beds can be used for soothing joints. Also, carpeting your home can help as it helps your older pet get traction from the floor.
*Turmeric is a natural blood thinner. Do not use for dogs who suffer from blood clotting disorders.
Check on their Food
When dogs grow older, they often have difficulty chewing and digesting food. Moreover, they may also suffer from lack of appetite and obesity. Adding more fiber to their diet can help them digest their food easily. Also, they should be fed less carbohydrates to maintain optimal weight.
Exercising is beneficial
Dogs have difficulty performing activities they once enjoyed as they grow old. However, taking your exercise is necessary for their health and well-being. Change exercise regimes slightly by opting for swim sessions or shorter more frequent walks. Your senior dog will need plenty of mental stimulation such as food puzzles to keep his/her brain sharp.
More Vet Visits
Older pets may require additional blood tests, dental care and examinations. Also, several breeds are more likely to get affected by arthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer and diabetes. With regular visits, these problems can be detected and managed before they become major problems.
As your dog ages, paying attention to changes in their behaviour, dental issues and any bumps or lesions that can help a vet gauge their problems better. Maintaining a journal can help you track these changes. While caring for an older dog may involve a bit more work and care, it is a deeply rewarding experience.
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