Part of life is growing old. While it is a part we cannot dispute and just have to accept, it does not make it any less painful when you see someone you love suffering from the pains of old age. Losing a pet can be gut-wrenching and can emotionally devastate you, leaving you a nervous mess, struggling to cope with the insurmountable grief you experience every time you call your friend and realize they’re not coming. Notwithstanding, it isn’t all doom and gloom. There are ways you can give your friends a great, long, and fun life!
Keeping your senior dog happy and healthy can be done with topical medication and regular treatment plans. Many senior dogs begin to suffer from arthritis and joint pain as they grow older, which you can read more here for possible treatments. Senior dogs should not be neglected, as they rely on you for their care and companionship.
Some Tips to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy!
As your pooch begins to age, their energy will lessen and they will likely develop many health problems, from vision to hearing, and gradually their organs will stop working. Senior dogs are significantly higher than many other pets in getting kidney or liver disease, as well as diabetes. When it comes to aging, the genetic and lifestyle of your pooch will play an integral role in how your dog progresses into his seniority.
Regularly Exercise Your Old Boy! (Or Girl)
Regularly exercising your senior dog will help them to maintain their weight and benefit them at no end of ways, helping to contribute to their overall health. It is important to organize an exercise plan or program completely around your dog, catered uniquely to them so that it will be effective and help push your dog well into his twenties! It can become frustrating walking an older dog, but patience is key. Start slowly with them and don’t go angry when they take too long to catch up with you, gradually, the more they walk, you can build their stamina and muscle.
Create a Sanctuary For Your Senior Pooch!
Oftentimes, older dogs will develop arthritis. It is a common thing in older dogs, more so than in cats, and arthritis will severely restrict their mobility. If your dog is suffering from a condition that makes it difficult for him to move as freely as he once did, it is important you create a special zone for your pooch where he can sleep, relax, and hang out, without hurting or straining his joints. An older dog won’t be able to jump onto the sofa, so bring the sofa to him and create a floor mat where your pooch can lounge away!
Make Sure Your Dog Has a Diet Appropriate To His Age!
It is essential, and cannot be stressed enough that simply by maintaining a healthy diet and plenty of supplements, that your dog can live a very long life. It is important to buy food specifically for your dog, rather than blindly purchasing anything. Senior pups must eat food designed for senior dogs. You can purchase specifically-made food for kittens, pups, and seniors, from your local pet store. This will help to keep your dog pushing on.
Keep Your Puppy’s Teeth Clean!
If your pup isn’t used to having good dental care, in his older age, he will have missing teeth and may suffer as a consequence. Dental care should be very important from a young age, and into his old age must be maintained. You must wash your dog’s teeth every day, and if he refuses to allow you to do so, then provide treats catered entirely around dental health.
Keep Your Pooch Vaccinated and Protected Against Parasites!
Oftentimes, owners skimp on providing their pets with the correct protection against parasites and neglect vaccinations. More often this happens with cat owners when their cats are indoors, but it can prove detrimental and it is important you keep your aging dog up to date with all of his vaccinations and treatments so as to prevent possible negative happenings.
We all love our pets, whether we own dogs, budgies, or cats, and while they all age the same, they are all unique and different. We must strive to provide our friends with the utmost treatment, as they rely on us, and have provided us with years of fun, love, and laughter. Pets are often an extension of ourselves and part of the family. Without you, they would be lost, so it is your responsibility to man up and take control. Don’t neglect to look after your friends, keep them strong, fit, and healthy, and hopefully, your pooch will be the first dog to reach the age of fifty! Pets are living a lot longer nowadays, with the average age for a cat being seventeen, so it is important that you aid your friend in reaching his full potential.