Senior Dogs and Special Needs Pets are more than “just pets” to the people who love them. They are family members who receive the love and care they deserve. Dogs are loyal, loving, helpful, and dedicated to their human family. Because they have a shorter life span, you will have the experience of caring for them in their senior years. It is a small way of thanking them for their devotion and love.
As Dogs Age
Dog breeds age at different speeds. Some giant breed dogs are considered to be a senior at five or six years of age – for example – Great Danes fall into the early senior category. Smaller dogs, such as Yorkshire terriers are not considered seniors until they are twice that age. Retrievers are large breed dogs that fall in between and are considered seniors around eight to nine years of age. There are several things that play into the speed of dogs aging, including genetics, environment, exercise, and nutrition. As a dog reaches those senior years, the care you provide will change.
Senior Dog Diet
As a dog ages, their nutritional needs change. Feeding them the proper diet is essential to help them stay active. Veterinarians can recommend the best dog food for the pet and make recommendations for nutritional supplements when needed. It’s important for the senior dog to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, skin disorders, and cancer.
Having regular checkups as dogs age will catch any problem that occurs before it becomes serious. Booking a Pet Taxi will assist you in ensuring they get to their appointments. Pet Owners must be sure all vaccinations are kept up to date, and if something changes in a dog’s behavior or it seems to be experiencing pain, make an appointment with a veterinarian.
Senior Dog Exercise
Exercise is important for senior dogs. Daily walks are essential. If you work long hours and are late in coming home, hiring a dog walker is a great way to show your senior dog love and care. Keep their physical activities within their ability range. Dogs do get arthritis as they age, and it is a good idea to talk to a veterinarian about a glucosamine supplement, which helps with joints and improving their mobility.
Senior Dog Veterinary Care
Senior Dog Incontinence
As dogs age, they may need to empty their bladder more often. If you are at work all day, it’s fine to gate off a section of the house for the dog and lay down some puppy house training mats. Or book a Doggy Day Carer who is home most of the time and drop your Senior Dog at their home a few times a week. Be sure to request they place a dog bed in a gated area so they can take comfortable naps.
Senior Dog Grooming
It’s important to use a gentle brush on older dogs, as their hair may be thinning and skin more sensitive. Teeth cleaning is also important. Use a gentle hypo-allergenic shampoo when bathing senior dogs. If it enjoys going to the groomer, keep taking them as long as they are happy with it. However, some senior pets have been known to suffer a heart attack while at the groomers as they can no longer endure the stress of being tethered in a room with other dogs barking and the noise of the hair dryer blasting away.
Senior Dogs and Dementia
Give your senior lots of attention, especially if he or she is home alone for a period of time each day. Play and snuggle time is very important to the emotional health of senior dogs and their family. Some dogs do experience symptoms similar to dementia in humans. You may find your dog just wanders around, seems confused, is anxious, or has a general decrease in normal activities. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for an evaluation. Booking a Sitter who understands the importance of supervising a Senior Dog when around younger dogs may prevent dog bites occurring if the senior dog’s dementia is impacting them.
You and your dog can fully enjoy their senior years. Check with your veterinarian anytime you have concerns, but otherwise just follow these tips to keep your dog healthy and content. If you need a Vet Nurse Pet Sitter to care for your Pet while you are away, or Sitters experienced in giving vaccinations and medication, you can use the advanced search filter on PetCloud or Post a Job.
