Aging Dogs – Comfort for Older Dogs

Aging dogs that are happy and comfortable are a beautiful sight. It means that someone has done an excellent job taking care of your dog and has made his life worthwhile; says very good things about the dog’s owner.

Arthritis in dogs is common as they age, they suffer from the same drawbacks as older humans: Their joints become stiff, energy levels drop, their hearing diminishes, and their eyesight becomes less sharp. Canine incontinence can also be a problem in older dogs. Fortunately, a dog’s sense of smell seems to be more resistant to the changes of aging.

There are many products in the world today to make your aging dog more comfortable.

caring for older dogs

An older dog appreciates a warm, comfortable bed. An orthopedic bed is a good option, they provide maximum support and are specifically made to cushion joints and bones. For arthritic dogs this is ideal and they are available in various styles. For added comfort, consider a heated dog bed, bed warmer, or heated blanket for your aging best friend. The combination of a supportive bed and heat will have a very therapeutic effect on your dog. Place the bed in an area free of drafts.

Choose food for an elderly dog ​​carefully. Older dogs tend to gain extra pounds due to reduced activity and burn calories less efficiently. They do better with fewer calories because they use less energy. But don’t reduce the amount of food for your senior dog; only choose low-calorie foods. Ask your vet for dietary recommendations and a vitamin and mineral regimen based on your dog’s health. It can make a difference in his energy level. Make sure your senior dog has plenty of water at all times. Older dogs can become dehydrated more easily than younger ones.

working out It’s important, but don’t overload your best friend. Let him smell the flowers or the “fire hydrant.” Short walks several times a day, rather than one long one, may be a good idea.

regular reviews they are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and health checkups, pay special attention to dental care. You are likely to lose some teeth and develop bad breath. Keep your teeth clean and free of plaque buildup and have your teeth checked routinely. This will decrease the chance that you will develop serious problems, such as heart disease as a result of tooth decay or gum disease.

Incontinence sometimes it is a problem for old dogs. The causes are many. Do not scold him for something that is not his fault. Consult your vet, it may be treatable. A temporary way to deal with urination caused by incontinence is to use dog diapers and training pads to eliminate those masses at home. Dog diapers are available in various sizes and styles designed for both male and female dogs. Training pads can be placed under your dog to protect the carpet, furniture, and your bed.

Finally, good grooming. for your senior dog it is useful. Brush daily to keep the coat healthy and catch any problems like dry skin, sores, body odor, fleas and ticks. Check your dog’s ears for odors or discharge from an infection.

Genetics play apart. Generally speaking; small dogs (20 pounds) live longer and show no signs of aging until around 12 years of age. Whereas with medium sized dogs (20 – 50 lbs), the effects of aging will be seen at around 10 years of age. For larger breeds (90 pounds and up), aging usually starts to show around 8 years of age. There are exceptions to this, of course. With advances in geriatric veterinary care, good nutrition, and excellent care for aging dogs, the aging process can be slowed down.