It doesn’t take long for our fur-babies to become senior citizens. Dogs are considered geriatric from about 10 years old. Larger breeds even earlier ¬– around the 7-8-year mark.
What can we do to ensure our canine companions stay healthy and happy in their golden years?

1. Care for their teeth
Brush your dog’s teeth once a day. Dog-friendly toothpaste can be found at most vets and pet stores. Your dog’s vet may recommend a scale and polish if your dog’s teeth need more attention. Although this procedure involves an anaesthetic, it is an effective way of removing plaque.

2. Exercise smartly
Moderation is key when exercising older dogs. On-leash exercise, on softer ground, for shorter periods is best, as your dog is less likely to strain a muscle or joint through sudden movement or over-exertion.
‘Sniff-walks’ ¬– where you let your dog stop, sniff (and pee) whenever they want, are a great way for your older dog to exercise, as well as stimulating their senses and mind.

3. Regular vet checks
General consensus it that senior dogs should have bi-annual vet checks, as they are more susceptible to age-related health issues and may require extra dental care. Visiting the vet more often means closer monitoring and early detection of any negative changes in your pooch.

4. Adjust your dog’s diet
Older dogs are more susceptible to dietary issues such as obesity, loss of appetite, or difficulty chewing food. Careful attention needs to be paid to what type of food (and how much) you feed your older canine. Most pet food brands have a product specifically for senior dogs. Your vet will advise on the best food for your dog.
Bone broth is another nutritious and hydrating source of vitamins and minerals.
Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are beneficial to dogs with arthritis. Omega 3 (fish oil) supplements are recommended for overall health and well-being of older dogs.

5. Improve the accessibility of your home
Ensure your dog can access their food, water, crate, and bedding without having to strain themselves. Multiple water bowls around the house will ensure your dog can easily access water to prevent dehydration. Dehydration is common in older pets and should be avoided.
If your dog is repeatedly slipping on your hardwood/ tiled floor, consider putting down mats to provide your pooch with traction. Use baby gates to keep your dog away from particularly slippery floors or stairs. Their joints will love you for it!

6. Observe: look out for any changes
Do a regular lump-and-bump check on your hound. They’ll relish the attention, and you’ll be able to identify any new growths you might want the vet to inspect.

7. Keep your dog well groomed
Brushing your dog regularly is another way to check for body changes. It also stimulates circulation, distributes your dog’s natural oils and removes dead skin. Ensure your older dog’s nails are kept short. This will help them gain traction on smooth surfaces. If you feel uncomfortable clipping your dog’s toenails – this can be done by a professional groomer or vet nurse.

8. Invest in comfortable bedding
Senior dogs spend progressively more time sleeping and resting. Make sure they have a clean, warm, quiet, comfortable place to lie.
There are an increasing number of high-quality orthopedic dog beds on the market, that provide joint support and comfort to dogs with arthritis. These beds are made of a variety of materials including memory foam, wool, and pillow-top. They also come in a number of different shapes and sizes. A useful article that gives a broad overview of the types of dog beds available, can be found at: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-dog-beds-expert-recommendations.html

9. Protect your dog from weather extremes
Older dogs, like older humans are more sensitive to the weather. In the past your dog may not have felt the cold – but now that they’re older, they seem to shiver more often. Ensure your dog is kept warm in winter. This may mean investing in a warm coat for their outside time, letting them sleep inside instead of outside, and ensuring their coats aren’t clipped too short.
Make sure your dog has plenty of shade and water in the summer. There are a number of cooling mats available, which could be worth a try if your dog is particularly prone to over-heating.

10. Lots of cuddles and time together
Regularly treat your old fur-friend to one-on-one time. Whether you curl up on the couch together while you watch Netflix or read a book or take them for a ride in the car. Find something enjoyable to do with just you and your hound.

 

Annie Kenning, writingwithoutbarriers@gmail.com