Tips for keeping your aging dog active and healthy
While dogs must age just like we humans do, it’s easy to assume that we must take their aging symptoms as they are. Many people assume that if you have an aging senior dog they simply must slow down and play less. Not as many people realize that there are ways that we can slow this process down a bit. Today we are going to discuss tips for keeping your aging dog active and healthy so that your dog may enjoy their sunset years as much as possible.
We humans take special care of our bodies as we age and it only makes sense that dogs would require the same thing. Being responsible for a dog means that you are in charge of making sure their quality of life is the best it can be.
Tips for keeping your aging dog active and healthy
As dogs age, they may become less active and more prone to health issues. However, there are several things you can do to help keep your aging dog active and healthy.
Regular exercise
Regular exercise is important for dogs of all ages, but it becomes even more crucial as they age. This can help maintain their muscle mass and joint flexibility, as well as improve their overall cardiovascular health. Walking, swimming, and playing fetch are all great options for exercising older dogs.
Proper nutrition
As dogs age, their nutritional needs may change. It’s important to speak with your veterinarian about what type of food and how much to feed your aging dog to keep them at a healthy weight and provide them with the necessary nutrients. It’s really important to avoid weight gain especially if your dog is starting to show signs of arthritis. Any extra weight, will put a burden on joints.
Regular veterinary check-ups
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help detect and prevent potential health problems early on. Your veterinarian can also advise you on any age-related health issues that may arise and recommend appropriate treatments. At a minimum, you should be taking your dog for yearly check-ups. As your dog ages, you may want to discuss bringing in your dog in every 6 months.
Mental stimulation
Keeping your dog mentally stimulated is just as important as keeping them physically active. This can include training, puzzle toys, and interactive toys. Dogs are never too old to learn new skills so just because they are getting older, doesn’t mean they should stop being mentally challenged. You may need to allow more time for them to learn, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn. Some ideas:
- Teach them a new command
- Take them on a new location for a leisurely walk, so they can smell new places
- Play games like hide and seek either inside or in your yard
- Buy or make your own puzzle toys
- Create a sensory garden for them to explore
- Teach them some agility. If finances prevent you from taking them for agility training, you can buy a set or make your own with things you have around your home. We purchased hula hoops, small traffic cones, and fire hydrant marker poles. All of these were a lot cheaper than buying a dog agility kit.
Comfort and safety
As dogs age, they may have a harder time getting around and may become more prone to falls and other accidents. It’s important to make sure your home is safe for your aging dog, with no hazards that could cause them to slip or fall. If you have areas in your home without carpeting, you can consider laying down yoga mats or carpets with rubber backs.
You may also want to consider getting a dog bed that provides extra comfort for your aging pet. Alternatively, consider buying steps or ramps to help your dog get on the sofa, bed, or in the car.
Medications
Depending on your dog’s health condition, your veterinarian may recommend some medications to help manage their symptoms. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions and keep track of any changes in your dog’s behavior or health. Also speak to your veterinarian about giving your dog some vitamins or nutritional supplements. Glucosamine is great for joint health (for humans as well). Omegas are great for skin, joints, and overall health. CBD may also provide some benefits.
Dental care
Dental care is important for dogs of all ages, but it becomes even more crucial as they age. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily, providing dental chews, and professional dental cleaning can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Pay close attention
Lastly, keep a close eye on your aging dog and pay attention to any changes in their behavior or health. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for advice.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your aging dog stays active and healthy for as long as possible. Remember, each dog is different, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best plan of care for your aging pet.
How long do dogs live?
The life expectancy of dogs can vary greatly depending on the breed and size of the dog. Smaller breeds, such as the Chihuahua, generally have a longer life expectancy than larger breeds, such as the Great Dane. On average, a healthy dog can live between 10–13 years, but can be considerably longer or unfortunately shorter.
Factors that can affect a dog’s life expectancy include genetics, diet, and overall health. Some breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia or heart disease, which can shorten their lifespan. Feeding a nutritionally balanced diet and providing regular veterinary care can help to prevent or delay the onset of these conditions.
As we talked about in the tips above, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can also play a role in a dog’s lifespan. Dogs that are physically active and mentally stimulated tend to live longer than those that are sedentary. Additionally, regular veterinary checkups and preventative care, such as vaccinations and parasite control, can help to ensure that a dog remains healthy throughout its life.
How do dogs benefit humans?
As much as we can help and benefit dogs, it’s important to know that having a dog can hugely benefit humans as well. Here is just a small list of the ways in which dogs can benefit us:
- Increased physical activity. Dogs need a lot of physical activity. So do we. Being responsible for the care of a dog helps us to improve our physical activity. Win-win!
- Improved socialization. Walking our dogs and visiting dog parks are a great way for us to meet new people and get out and socialize more. Some of us need a little help with that.
- Reduced depression. Studies have shown that dog owners suffer less depression than non-dog owners. This is likely due to the increase in physical activity.
Conclusion
In addition to following the tips above, knowing what to expect in your dog’s life is very important. This is why you should learn all you can about your dog’s breed so that you may be prepared for anything that is typical for that particular breed. Knowing in advance how to help your dog can help you get through any health issues and the aging process much better. So, we hope that these tips for keeping your aging dog active and healthy will benefit both you and your pup.