It’s not uncommon to see people neglect their old dogs. They think that because he has arthritis and cataracts, there’s nothing they can do to help him. Your senior dog still has a few good years in him, and all it takes is a bit of extra care. Here are some tips on how to better care for your old dog.
Provide a Healthy Diet
Your dog will be super healthy if you change his diet to a healthier one. You may not have to make drastic changes, but consulting the vet will ensure that any changes you make are suitable for your dog. A healthy diet could help your old dog lengthen his lifespan. You could incorporate a few treats here and there but make sure that you don’t overdo it. Your dog will be less likely to get a urinary tract infection if he drinks water from a water fountain or something else that doesn’t have bacteria in it. It would help if you always kept your old dog’s water fresh by putting fresh water in his bowl every other day.
Provide Adequate Exercise
Your dog will live a lot longer if you give him regular exercise. The body is designed to work, so don’t deprive your pet of movement. A daily walk will do a lot to keep your old dog healthy. Just because your senior dog is older doesn’t mean he should stop exercising. You can still put him on a treadmill or do training exercises with him.
Use Pet Odor Removal Products
You don’t have to throw away your old pet’s favorite blanket or buy him a new toy because it smells terrible. There are odor removing sprays that you can use on any of your dog’s favorite things. This is an excellent way to keep your dog clean.
Make Sure Your Dog Has His Shots
Before taking your dog for his annual check-up, you should ensure that he has all of his shots. A yearly check-up with the veterinarian will ensure that your old dog is healthy. Conditions such as laryngeal paralysis are common among older dogs. Your vet will help you determine if your senior dog is at risk for certain diseases and, if so, how to prevent them.
Set Up an Appointment with a Chiropractor
If you can take your dog to a chiropractor, it may help him improve his posture. Symptoms of spinal deterioration include having a hard time standing up and a wobbly walk. Your dog’s spinal cord could be compressed if he has arthritis in his hips or his muscles have deteriorated. This can put pressure on the spinal cord, which causes pain to shoot through your dog’s body. If your pet seems to get tired quickly or in pain talk to your veterinary about it. They might recommend the use of a walker or other types of support for your pet. You may see other people walk their dogs with pet walkers, but you never thought much about it. A pet walker gives your old dog’s legs a break and can help him feel younger. It should support your dog’s weight so that he doesn’t strain his sore joints or muscles. Using a pet walker during the day will give him some energy and help him feel better.
Get Your Dog a Comfy Bed
If you don’t have a dog bed, you should get one. It’s not fair that your dog sleeps on the floor. Give him some support with a comfortable bed. It would help if you also considered getting him a toy that he can cuddle with or something to help him clean his teeth. This will help keep him busy and healthy.
Set Aside Time to Play with Your Pet
Your dog will always be your friend, so you should spend time with him. This doesn’t mean that he has to be doing something all the time. Playtime is essential for any pet, and it’s crucial for older dogs. If your senior dog gets bored, he may become destructive or run away. Playing with him will reduce the risk of this happening.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to caring for our old and aging pets. If you follow these tips, your dog will live a happier life and longer life. Now that you have a better understanding of caring for your old pet hopefully these tips help you and your pet have fun together again.
