Senior dogs can require specialized dog care routines and additional attention to dog health issues. Some breeds of dogs will stay very healthy, youthful and spry into their mid teens, while other start acting more sedate and older even before they reach the age of ten. A good generalization with regards to this type of behavior is that an active young dog tends to stay an active senior dog, while a relaxed and laid back young dog will only get more so as he or she matures.
Senior Dogs and Dog Care
Like people, senior dogs are more at risk for joint and muscle pains, stiffness, and conditions such as arthritis. While there are not always cures for these conditions, good nutrition, appropriate routine exercise and lots of love and attention for your elderly canine are all important aspects of senior dog health. Since getting up and down and moving after being sedate are often the biggest problems, make sure your senior dog is always in an area where he or she has solid, non-slip footing. Don't use dog mats and area carpets that will bunch and slide as the dog tries to stand up or sit down. Use mats and carpets with rubberized backs that will stick to the floor, giving maximum support and traction. Avoid having your senior dog sleep, eat or walk around on tiles, hardwood or other slippery surfaces whenever possible.
Sleeping on Furniture
If your dog has always slept on the couch, your bed or sat on your lap while you read the paper it is not fair to expect that they won't still want to the same even when they are not physically fit enough to jump up and down. Senior dogs often don't realize that they will hurt themselves by jumping up and down, so either build or buy a pet ramp or a set of doggy stairs they can use, or start teaching your dog to stay off the furniture at a young age.
Exercise
Many senior dogs simply don't self-exercise, so planning moderate levels of appropriate exercise for your dog is part of good senior dog care. Dog health does depend on regular movement so a good walk in the morning at one in the evening has to be a must. If your senior dog has other dogs in the house that are younger, monitor the level of play and don't allow the older dog to overtax himself or herself physically, this will increase stiffness and muscle problems.
Dental Care
A very important part of senior dog care and dog health management is to monitor their teeth and gums. Tooth loss can lead to problems in chewing and eating, in turn causing digestive problems and poor nutrition. Always check your dog's teeth in grooming routines and keep brushing to remove tartar and keep gums healthy. If you are concerned about the dog not eating due to dental issues, talk to your vet and consider moistening dry kibble slightly with beef or chicken broth to make it easier to chew.
Senior dogs can lead very full, happy and healthy lives. Taking a bit of time and effort to consider dog health issues and how you can help with senior dog care in the home makes a big difference to your pet.
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