How To Care For The Aging Dog

Two of our K9 swimmers Cally and Brodie

​We expect changes in our dogs from when they are first puppies all the way through their life. Most of our dogs enter their senior years between the ages of 7 to 10. Larger breeds tend to develop age-related problems earlier than smaller breeds. We can help our senior dogs adapt to the changes that occur through aging in a variety of ways. First thing we can do is recognise the signs of aging.

Signs of Aging in Dogs

All dogs age differently and show different signs of aging. Here are some signs that your dog may show when aging:

• Start to get grey around their muzzle
• Sight and hearing is not as sharp as it once was
• Skin becomes less elastic and their coat may be thinner and not as shiny as it once was
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Slower to get up off their bed or go for walks
• Tend to sleep more or can become restless at night
• Less interested in playing with other dogs or with their toys
• Become forgetful or disorientated
• Loss of teeth
• Less tolerant with younger dogs or children 

​Aging is inevitable but we can help slow the process down by good management, starting with regular visits to your vet where your dog’s health can be assessed and monitored. The vet will have recommendations on how to deal with any concerning health issues and signs of aging that need attention. It is important to diagnose any problems earlier than later as more damage can be done and health can deteriorate. Sometimes it is just a matter of having the appropriate medication and supplements or maybe modifying your dog’s environment or a change in your dog’s routine. 

Senior Dog Diet

​A healthy nutritious and appropriate diet for the senior dog is essential. Senior dog foods and supplements can help older dogs live healthier but you must also consider that if your dog has any health issues the diet may also have to be altered to improve that condition. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best diet and supplements for your dog at their regular visit to the vet. Diet and good prophylactic routines against internal and external parasites are all a major part of controlling the aging process in our fur babies. 

Senior Dog Exercise

The aging process brings with it loss of muscle tone and balance which will lead to inactivity. Inactivity will lead to faster aging as well as the risk of injury. Our older dogs can benefit greatly by some anti-aging activities and therapies that can slow the aging process down. Short walks, massage or gentle swims will assist in their cardiovascular system, weight control and can aid in the reduction of stiffness, soreness and inflammation of the joints. There are gentle exercises that will help strengthen, balance and keep your dog flexible. It is also very important to keep up their mental stimulation by offering novel toys or teaching them new tricks, this can help your older dog feel young again!

The Do's and Don'ts for Your Aging Dog

The Do's

• Do have your older dogs health checked yearly - this includes bloods.
• Do assess your dog’s health status before treating with herbs, massage or hydrotherapy.
• Do exercise your older dog with some kind of gentle exercise such as small walks. 
• Do feed an appropriate diet and supplements.
• Do provide a well-supported bed that is not too high that is easy for the older dog to get. up off. Memory foam is ideal for our older dogs.
• Do give your dog a warm jacket at night or a heat pad under the bed If your dog sleeps outside or in a cool room. This will benefit your aged dog greatly.
• Do get to know your dog’s limits when socialising with other dogs or children.

The Don'ts

• Don’t assume that Alternative therapies replace Veterinary Advice.
• Don’t let your senior dog get overweight.
• Don’t ignore warning signs of ill health. 
• Don’t let aged dogs scramble around on tiles, polished floor boards or lie for long periods of time or concrete.
• Don’t let your older dog stay wet and cold in the cooler months.

​The senior dog really is an older member of the family which we need to respect, love and care for.  In this article we have covered some things to help you identify signs of aging and how to look after your aging dog but remember most of all they need you and your love.