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Step 1
Allow your pet to choose some of its own treatment options. When your pet has an ailment, sometimes it just needs to rest and relax and do its own thing for awhile to try to heal itself. While aging pets do need to get fresh air and exercise, if your pet has an ailment, respect the ailment by allowing the dog to have some quiet time.
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Step 2
Talk with your dog's vet about different options. When weighing treatment options for your dog, consult your vet. Your vet is an expert in treating older dogs and can help you by offering the variety of treatment options available to your pet. Once you have the different options available, you can then make a more informed decision about treatment.
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Step 3
Pick natural treatments rather than long-term medications. Sometimes when you have a senior dog, some treatments might be long-term or permanent medications. Sometimes drugs must be administered for some ailments for the duration of your dog's life. This can be a difficult thing for both you and your pet. Make sure you are certain the drugs are necessary before agreeing to put your pet in a long-term medication situation.
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Step 4
Check out the medications carefully. If your vet seems to think that your pet needs medications, do some research on the medications and make sure these medications are truly what your dog needs.
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Step 5
Get second opinions. After you take your dog to your vet, consider going to one or two other vets to get other opinions about how to treat your senior dog's illness or ailment. This can help you have all the information you need about the condition before you have to make a decision.
