5 Tips to Help Your Senior Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life

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Article Provided by Pet Waste Inc – Dog Poop Removal in Carrollton, TX

Dogs age at a much slower rate than humans. But they still age. As our pets get older, the changes in their bodies are going to show. In general, they will lose some of their hearing and vision; they may not have as much energy; joints will ache more easily, and their appetite may change. This is all normal. Just like us, there are various stages of aging for our dogs. And just like us, there are ways we can help them live a longer life with less pain or discomfort by adjusting what we feed them and how we care for them. Let’s talk about how you can help your senior dog live a longer, healthier life:

– Increase water intake

As your dog ages, his or her kidneys may not function as well as they once did. This means that your senior dog may need more water than he or she did in younger years. Additionally, your dog’s metabolism may have slowed down, which can also lead to dehydration. Make sure to always have fresh, clean water available for your senior dog, and consider adding a little more water to his or her diet than you did in the past. If you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian.

– Adjust food intake

As your dog enters his senior years, his nutritional needs will change. He will require fewer calories and less protein than when he was a younger dog. You may also need to add supplements to his diet to ensure he is getting all the nutrients he needs. Consider supplements like glucosamine or omega-3 fatty acids. These natural ingredients have been shown to help reduce joint pain in dogs. It’s important that you understand what ingredients go into the food you are feeding so make sure it’s suitable. Special foods for senior dog diets contain the appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus and the right amount of protein for the dog’s age. Proper nutrition is essential to keeping your senior dog healthy and happy.

– Provide adequate exercise

It does not matter if your dog is young or old; regular exercise will improve their quality of life. It is important to keep your senior dog active to maintain his muscle mass and joint mobility. There are a number of exercises that are suitable for senior dogs. These include walks, swimming, and gentle fetch games. Senior dogs may not have the same energy levels as younger dogs, but they can still enjoy a good game of fetch. Swimming is a great exercise for senior dogs as it is minimal impact and can help to build muscle mass.

– Monitor weight

As your dog enters his senior years, it is important to keep him at a healthy weight. This will help him to avoid health problems such as joint pain, arthritis, and diabetes. A healthy weight will also help your senior dog to maintain his energy levels and mobility.
A decrease in weight could be an age-related decrease in appetite or a medical condition that is causing them to lose weight. Weight gain might indicate your senior dog is eating too much, not getting enough exercise, or has a medical condition that is causing them to gain weight.

-Partner with your veterinarian

As your dog enters its golden years, your veterinarian is your partner in ensuring your senior dog enjoys a decent quality of life. Your veterinarian can help you manage his health issues and keep him comfortable. You and your veterinarian will work together to develop a care plan that is best for your dog.

Your veterinarian can also provide guidance on nutrition and exercise for your senior dog. Regular checkups with your veterinarian will help manage changes in your dog’s health. Keep a journal of behaviors and changes you notice with your dog and share it at vet visits. Be sure to take advantage of your veterinarian’s expertise to give your senior dog the best possible care.