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9 Care And Nutrition Tips For Your Elderly Dog

By November 17, 2017March 30th, 2020No Comments

As your dog ages, his stamina and health slowly decline. His body will lose the ability to maintain normal body functions and to repair itself. Thus, he will struggle to adapt to the changes and stress in his environment. Furthermore, his metabolism will slow down, and so he will need fewer calories.

An elderly dog will have a different health requirement than a younger dog. Here, one of the best pet shops in Dubai shares some nutrition and adult daily care tips to keep your senior pet happy and healthy.

1. Schedule regular visits to your vet

Do not forget the regular health check-ups. Most vets recommend that elderly dogs must be examined at least twice a year. Of course, dogs with health conditions should pay more frequent visits to the vet.

A comprehensive physical examination by your vet can reveal different health issues that can have a huge impact on your canine’s life. Heart diseases, arthritis, dental problems, and kidney disease can alter your pet’s comfort level.

2. Take note of any behavior changes in your dog

Any change in your dog’s behavior can be a symptom of a disease. Watch closely for changes in his appetite and water consumption, sleep routines, and bowel and urinary habits. If he becomes irritable for no reason at all, he may be in pain, having a hard time hearing, or having difficulty seeing. Thus, any changes in your pet’s behavior and routine must prompt a consultation with the vet.  If you travel frequently, or need need help looking to hire a pet sitter to help with the load then check out https://nl.greataupair.com/ for a full list.

3. Give an age-appropriate diet

As your dog ages, his dietary requirements change. So it is important that you give him a pet food and serving sizes that are appropriate for his age and lifestyle. Older pets may gain weight, so they will need a diet for less active dogs. Obesity is a major health problem in dogs of all ages, especially for the elderly. Tending to your dog’s nails is also a commonly overlooked problem and can cause serious spinal and walking issues which when combined with additional weight gain can be problematic.

They may also be suffering from diseases that can be controlled through diet. Your vet will help you choose the best diet for your senior dog. This often depends on your dog’s specific nutritional requirements.

4. Give dog supplements

Your dog can benefit from supplements. Vitamins and supplements are essential for dogs suffering from certain diseases like arthritis if combined with the right exercise and weight control plan. Buff K9 Hip And Joint supplements, for instance, are perfect for dogs to maintain their overall hip and joint health. They are among the best choices for senior dogs with arthritis.

A fiber-rich product can also help to reduce incidences of constipation. Make sure to speak with your dog’s vet to determine which of these supplements are beneficial to your canine.

5. Provide a comfortable bed for your dog

Provide soft towels and blankets for your pet’s bed. This will help him sleep better and rest easier. You can also invest in innovative pet accessories like special beds meant for senior dogs. These beds are equipped with a heat source that will help improve circulation and minimize stiffness.  We also recommend touching your dog in a way that can help his immune system relax more deeply either by taking a course or scheduling a private consult with a trained therapeutic touch practitioner in your area.

6. Keep your dog’s mouth clean and healthy

It may seem like a silly idea to brush your dog’s teeth, but just like brushing does for people, this can help keep his mouth clean and healthy. If you can’t brush his teeth, get him some high-quality dental treats and toys.

7. Exercise your senior dog

Exercise will help your dog maintain healthy muscles and joints, but be sure to tailor his exercise to his individual requirements. If he is not used to exercise, start slow, and then gradually increase the intensity. A consultation with his vet is important before starting any exercise routine. Remember pain management in dogs can be tricky as dogs tend to hide when they are suffering from an ailment.

8. Provide toys

Toys will help keep your senior dog engaged. For instance, food puzzles are beneficial for entertainment and for weight loss.

9. Make it easier for your senior dog to get around

Finally, if your dog is suffering from any senior dog diseases like arthritis, it may be difficult for him to get around. So consider providing him stairs or ramps to allow him to have easy access to beds and furniture. Ramps will make it a lot easier for your senior dog to get down and up the stairs. A carpet will also help him gain his footing on slippery floors. Also, he may need assistance in getting in and out of the car.

With proper care, your senior dog’s health and happiness can be assured. Return the love and companionship that your dog has given you by giving him that extra care he deserves.

AUTHOR BIO

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet’s Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond, and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market representing world-class brands including Origen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.

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