Owning a dog is a big responsibility that must be taken seriously. Dogs aren’t just furry toys, they’re complex living creatures with their own wants and needs. Most of these needs fall to the dog owner. Whether you just got a puppy from a dog breeder in Adelaide or you adopt a senior dog from a family member, your dog will depend on you for nearly everything.
Dogs are also a lifetime commitment since their lifespans are much shorter than that of a human. It’s a privilege to be able to care for a dog from the first few weeks as a puppy to their golden years in doggy retirement. When your dog starts to go grey, you’ll need to remember that their needs will also change as they age. Before we get into how to keep your senior dog happy, you’ll first need to know when your dog is entering this stage of its life.
What are the Signs of Dog Ageing
Dogs of different breeds have different lifespans due to a number of factors such as breed health and size. In general, smaller dog breeds will live longer than bigger dogs. A Cavoodle or Shih Tzu will reach their senior years later than a Great Dane. So the actual age when your dog becomes a senior dog may be different from other dogs. It’s easier to watch out for the following signs than to simply rely on age:
- Greying fur
- Hearing and vision loss
- Weight changes
- More time spent sleeping
- Smelly breath
- Difficulty urinating
- Less energy and stamina
Most of these signs should be mild in nature as your dog transitions from adult to senior. If the signs are particularly severe, it may be an indication of an underlying health condition and you should contact your veterinarian for help.
How to Keep a Senior Dog Happy
Even though your senior dog may not have the same level of energy as it once had, it’ll still enjoy many of the same things it did before. Your job as a dog owner is to give them the attention and care they need to have the best quality of life possible. This is true for dogs of all ages, but senior dogs have more particular needs than adult dogs or puppies. Addressing those needs and giving your dog every chance to enjoy themselves is the most important thing.
Schedule Regular Vet Visits
Regular vet visits are important for dogs in all life stages, but they become even more crucial as your dog gets older. While most adult dogs will go to the vet once or twice a year for vaccinations and a check-up, senior dogs may require more frequent visits. This way, you can get ahead of any serious health conditions and get your dog the treatment they need. Your veterinarian will know the signs and symptoms of common health issues and will be better able to spot them.
Get the Right Supplies
While most dog accessories and supplies will be the same between adult and senior dogs, a senior dog may have special requirements. Dog toys will need to be replaced with ones that are more suitable for a senior dog’s teeth and jaw strength. Some senior dogs may develop joint issues and may require a stroller to get around. Dogs that develop hip dysplasia and similar degenerative conditions still need to exercise but may need special tools to do it safely. It’s a good idea to ask your veterinarian what you’ll need to keep your dog active even if they’re older, especially if they have any of the previously-mentioned conditions.
Regular Exercise
And that brings us to the next point – dogs of all ages still require exercise. This doesn’t just keep their body healthy, it also keeps their minds engaged and provides vital stimulation that will keep their brains working. Just as with humans, increased mental stimulation can help delay the onset of decreased mental function.
The adjustment you’ll have to make is in how strenuous the exercise sessions will be and how mentally challenging you need to make them. There are many options for dog puzzles that don’t require your dog to be particularly agile. These are still a workout for many dogs, as solving these puzzles can be tiring! Combine these with gentle walks of the appropriate length for your dog’s breed and size, and a senior dog can be just as active and engaged as an adult or puppy.
Give Them a Proper Diet
Last but not least, your senior dog needs to eat the right food to keep them healthy. As dog’s age, their digestive systems may become more sensitive to certain ingredients or formulations of dog food. If you notice that your dog starts eating less or suddenly develops an allergic reaction, it’s a good idea to contact your vet. You may need dog food specifically formulated for senior dogs.
