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Step 1
Your elderly dog does not need the same kind or amount of food that he once had. Consider a senior formula dog food that will be easier on his digestion and have fewer calories. If your dog behaves as though he is still hungry, you may wish to add green beans or carrots to his meals.
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Step 2
Give your dog opportunities to have fun and get some exercise. Just because your dog is getting older, does not mean that she should stop moving. The more she moves around, the more she will be able to keep moving around. Shorter walks or a slower pace may be in order. Pay attention to your dog's actions. She will let you know what she needs through body language.
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Step 3
Do not stress your dog with major changes to the household if at all possible. A new puppy may not be just the thing your elderly dog wants. Things he may have enjoyed, like raucous children and going on vacation, may make him feel anxious and cranky as he begins to have a few aches and tires more easily.
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Step 4
Protect your elderly dog from temperature extremes. Heat and cold can be devastating to an older dog. Heat stroke and bloat can occur in the summer, and hypothermia and severe pain from arthritis are concerns in the winter.
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Step 5
Get veterinary checkups regularly and ask your vet to monitor your dog for thyroid irregularity, diabetes, urinary tract disease and heart and kidney problems.
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Step 6
Keep your dog's weight down. Extra weight can cause unnecessary health complications.
Comments
AuntPhyl said
on 3/4/2008 We have an old gimpy Golden, adopted at 10 years old after he was injured in a car encounter. It takes so little effort to keep an older dog feeling loved and secure. Sam is now nearly 14 and he repays us every day with his sweet nature in that clumsy and weary body!