Caring for Your Senior Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Caring for Your Senior Dog Published by Alpha Dog Taining https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Our senior dogs might not have the energy and spunk of a young pup, but these dogs still have plenty of personality and lots of love to give. You should also consider that most of these older animals will have already been housebroken, with their destructive days usually long behind them. They also typically require less exercise and have fewer behavioral issues than a younger pup as well. All they ask is for a comfy bed, a bowl of kibble, and a few snuggles. Who can say no to that? Don’t Skip the Exercise An older dog will start to slow down, but this doesn’t mean that you should neglect his exercise. One of the best things that you can do for an older pup is to keep them moving. Exercise is good for pets; and for senior dogs, it keeps their joints moving. Exercise will also help to keep your pup young at heart. While your dog might not be able to go on all-day hikes through the mountains, he can still go with you on casual strolls and walks. Watch for Arthritis If you notice that your dog is starting to limp or if she appears to be in distress, it could be a sign of arthritis. Many older dogs, especially larger dogs, develop arthritis in their older years, and if you suspect that your dog might have arthritis, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your vet should be able to prescribe medication to help relieve the pain and swelling. Signs to watch for include: favoring a limb, difficulty sitting or standing, or seemingly stiff or sore joints. Stay on Top of Parasite Prevention Older dogs, like young dogs, are susceptible to parasites. But because an older dog’s immune system may be weaker, there are more potential health risks associated with fleas, ticks, worms, and other pests. Be sure to talk to your vet about worming and flea and tick treatments. Feed Them High-Quality Food If you aren’t already doing so, you should ensure that your pet has a nutritious diet. Try to feed him a high-quality, grain-free, balanced dog food –an important part of helping your pet to maintain a healthy weight. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight can help to reduce the risk of many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even skin problems. You may also want to consider fortifying your dog’s diet with DHA and EPA fatty acids; these could help a dog who has mobility issues caused by arthritis or a joint disease. Check Their Teeth Brushing your dog’s teeth might sound silly, but keeping their teeth in good shape is an excellent preventative measure that will help to keep them healthy. Tarter build-up can lead to gingivitis, which can cause bacteria to get into the bloodstream –wreaking havoc on your dog’s organs. Make Your Home Senior Friendly Whether you own your home or are residing in rented accommodation; there’s a lot that you can do to make your place as comfortable as possible for your senior friend. Keep in mind that as your dog gets older, she might have a hard time making the trek up and down the stairs. You might consider giving her a comfortable bed –and placing food and water at ground level. Schedule Regular Checkups It’s important to schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your senior pet should be examined once a year if there are no apparent health issues, and should be taken in sooner if you notice that something’s wrong. Ask your vet for a body condition evaluation every visit; this will inform you if your pet is overweight, underweight, or an ideal weight. Since overweight dogs have a higher incidence of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer –helping your dog to maintain a healthy weight is important!