How to Care for an Elderly Dog

Oftentimes when a pet has reached the senior stage, its family has not noticed. The aging process is gradual and being together every day makes it understandable that some changes go undetected. Watching your beloved dog limp to its water dish or struggle to stand up when the doorbell rings can be heart wrenching, and wanting to make its life as comfortable as possible in its twilight years is one of the best ways to demonstrate the enormous love for our faithful companions. Adjusting to these senior years will not only prolong a dog’s life, but make it more comfortable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Ensure that your dog is under proper veterinary care and has had its annual check up. Follow the veterinarian’s advice.
2. Feed your dog a well-balanced diet. Senior pet food has supplements and vitamins specific to the health needs of aging dogs, such as plenty of omega-3, which is good for joint soreness. Feed your dog more often with smaller meals, but be sure not to overfeed; keeping your dog at the correct weight is helpful to its general well-being.
3. Slow down walks and let your dog set the pace. Walks may be longer in time but should be shorter in distance. More short walks during the day are better than one long one. Dogs need to remain physically active.
4. Stimulate the brain. Go ahead and try to teach it a new trick, as long as it is not physically abusive. Car rides and a different walk route are two easy ways to keep the brain stimulated.
5. Massage your dog. He will let you know if it is uncomfortable. Not only does massage help with the achy joints dogs get, but it helps the entire body.
6. Add to your dog’s grooming schedule. Increased brushing helps circulation, plus dogs of an advanced age can’t take care of themselves like they used to be able to. Consider a summer haircut for a dog with long hair.
7. Allow your dog the opportunity to relieve itself immediately after eating, before turning in for the night and first thing in the morning.
8. Leave plenty of soft, fluffy blankets on the floor to serve as beds. Put down lots of rugs on slick flooring such as wood laminates and linoleum. Dogs have trouble with the lack of friction on such floors.
9. Consider a harness or wheelchair if your dog is having trouble walking.

Tips & Warnings

• Love your dog each and every day. She will be gone too soon to waste any moments.
• Losing a pet can be devastating. Don't underestimate the grief. Take the time to heal.
• Saying a final farewell may be the kindest thing you can do for your dog. Discuss with family members the right time to put your dog down, so he doesn't suffer needlessly.
• Older dogs can be grumpier and may want to nip at bothersome children.