As your dog approaches old age, he may require a little more tender loving care. Whether it be regular visits to the vet, a healthy and nutritious diet, or moderate physical exercise, keeping your dog comfortable and happy in his final years is important. With that in mind, here is a go-to guide on how to care for your older dog.
Vet Visits
To ensure you’re in the know when it comes to your dog’s health, it’s best to book routine vet visits. Having regular check-ups for your dog every six months can be a great way for the vet to examine your dog and to identify any concerns as early as possible. If you haven’t noticed a change in your dog’s behavior, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with a vet. There are various tips that you can use to your advantage to help you find a vet you feel comfortable with.
Picking the Right Foods
It’s best to stick with commercial dog food that’s labeled for senior dogs. Before you decide on what type of food to give your furry friend, make sure to consult with the vet first who can give you more information on how much you should be feeding your dog. Obesity is a huge health concern (especially in senior dogs) so keeping a close eye on your pet’s diet is essential, ensuring they maintain a healthy weight.
Moderate Exercise
As your dog gets older, it’s likely that his stamina levels will decrease too. Therefore, make sure to maintain an exercise routine, but also listen to your dog when he’s had enough. For example, instead of going on a long walk, you may benefit from splitting it into several 5-10-minute walks each day. Exercise is incredibly important for your dog, as it can help to control their weight, as well as promoting healthy bones, joints, and muscles.
More Accessible
If your dog is struggling with his mobility, he may find it difficult to roam around. Therefore, making your home as accessible as possible is important, especially for when your dog hits old age. Ensure that your dog’s food and water are placed close by, so he doesn’t have to move far to get what he needs. If your floors tend to get slippery, you may want to invest in a rug that can help your dog get around with ease.
Supplements
During the final stages of your dog’s life, you will want to make sure that he is happy and comfortable. Therefore, you may benefit from purchasing a supplement that can help support your dog’s digestive process, immune system, as well as maintaining healthy neurological function. To find out more information, make sure to check out cannacompanionusa.com.
Once your dog hits senior age, he may not be able to run around like he used to. If your dog has mobility issues, there are various types of medication that may be able to help. It’s only natural that you will want your dog to be comfortable, happy, and healthy in his final stage of life so make sure to take all the tips listed into account.
