How to Care For Your Aging Dog
Aging is a natural part of life but it can bring some unique challenges for your dog. Good dental care can help prevent gum disease, while regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight.
Seniors will also need a diet that meets their nutritional needs. Your vet can recommend a special diet for older pets to help combat age-related diseases and conditions. Dental Care
Dog dental health is a major concern for many pet owners, and it becomes even more important as pets age. A healthy mouth can add years to your pet’s life. Poor oral hygiene leads to severe gum disease which can be painful and inhibit your pet’s ability to eat. It can also lead to serious bacterial infections that may spread throughout the body, leading to life-threatening conditions in other organs.
A vet should examine your senior pet’s teeth, gums and oral structures during a routine checkup. If the veterinarian finds any issues, they will likely recommend a dental cleaning or other procedure under anesthesia. It is important to bring your senior pet to a vet that has experience with anesthesia and has a strong focus on safety in elderly pets. Thorough pre-anesthetic workups and stabilization of concurrent medical problems prior to the procedure can significantly reduce complications in older dogs. Using safe anesthetic protocols such as bupivacaine, epinephrine (if needed) and lidocaine can help minimize risks to your pet. X-rays are often recommended to identify any bone disease, abnormal/damaged roots and other concerns that should be addressed.
Brush your senior dog’s teeth daily to keep plaque and tartar at bay. You can also help prevent dental problems by feeding your dog a dietary supplement that supports clean and healthy teeth and gums. The Greenies Aging Care Teenie dental chews are 50% softer than original Greenies and contain New Zealand green mussels and chicken cartilage to help control plaque and tartar and destroy bad dog breath. A veterinary study found that giving one Greenies chew per day almost totally prevented the buildup of calculus, which is hardened dental plaque. Exercise
As they age, dogs can still maintain a good level of fitness with light exercise that does not increase their joint or bone damage. Exercise releases healthy endorphins and reduces stress hormones, so it is important for the mind of your senior pet as well as their body.
Regular walking is low-impact and a great way for older dogs to burn some calories. Start with short walks and slowly build up the duration of your dog’s walk to help them avoid overexerting themselves.
Swimming is another low-impact exercise that can be beneficial to your aging care dog, especially if they suffer from arthritis or other joint issues. It strengthens muscles, joints, and the heart and is easy on the bones. If your dog has never swum before, it’s best to introduce them to the water gradually. You should always supervise your dog in the water and be ready to jump in if they panic or get tired.
Stretching and strength exercises are also great for aging dogs as they provide flexibility, increase circulation and oxygenation, alleviate some of the aches and pains of an aging body, and help to maintain muscle mass. These exercises are easy to do at home and can be done in short sessions.
Be sure to consult with your vet before starting any new exercise regimens with your aging pet. They will be able to guide you on how much your dog can safely exercise, how long they should do their exercise, and what type of exercise is best for them. If your dog pants excessively after a workout, is reluctant to exercise or does not seem interested in participating, it is likely that their body is telling them they did too much and it is time to reduce the amount of exercise they are doing. Skin & Coat
Skin is the largest organ in your pet’s body. It provides a barrier to the environment, helps regulate body temperature and gives your dog their sense of touch. It also includes oil glands that secrete sebum to help moisturize the coat and skin. エイジングケアアカデミー
A healthy, lustrous coat is not only attractive to us, but it’s an important sign of your pet’s overall health and well-being. Your dog needs to be consuming the right diet to keep their coat looking shiny and healthy.
Using only 100% traceable ingredients and vet-recommended functional additives, this formula is nutrient dense with the essential fatty acids needed for healthy skin and coat. It also contains an optimal level of tyrosine to intensify their beautiful coat color.
From dandruff to itchy skin and dry dull coats, this powerful supplement is the answer. It contains the essential fatty acids, omega-3 and -6, as well as biotin and other vitamins to support the natural function of your pet’s coat.
This powder is a great supplement for your pet to help maintain their skin and coat, while improving their digestive system. It contains a blend of natural herbs, oils and antioxidants that are clinically proven to help improve your pets overall health and appearance. Training
Aging is a natural part of life, and all dogs eventually become seniors. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and great care by their pet parents, dogs are living longer than ever before, so it’s important that you understand how to support your dog’s physical and mental well-being as they age.
Training older dogs can help keep them physically fit and mentally engaged with their owners. While many people believe that older dogs can’t learn new skills, they’re actually fairly receptive to training at any stage of their lives. Even older adopted dogs who had some baggage from their pasts can benefit from a fresh start.
Older dogs are also typically calmer than younger ones, making them easier to train. They may still need to be reminded of commands, but a little bit of patience can help them remember the things they’ve been trained for.
If your aging dog can still walk, try taking them for low-impact walks or light jogs. Just make sure that you monitor their energy levels and don’t overdo it. Keeping up with their physical health will help them maintain mental clarity and prevent deterioration in other areas, like sight or hearing.
It’s also a good idea to monitor their water intake and urination, as these can be early signs of problems like kidney disease. Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior, as well. If you notice any changes in their habits or personality, it’s a good idea to check in with your veterinarian or other medical professionals as soon as possible. Behavior
Many behavioral changes are common in aging dogs. However, it is important to always consider your dog’s health and the underlying cause of any change in behavior. If your senior dog suddenly starts chewing and licking more, for example, it may be a sign of pain or cognitive dysfunction. Destructive behaviors like pica (eating inedible objects) and scratching or digging can also be a sign of pain, anxiety or dementia and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
It’s common for a senior dog to begin house soiling when there is a change in schedule, environment or household routine. It could also be a sign of pain, depression or cognitive dysfunction. It is a good idea to keep in contact with your veterinarian and discuss any behavioral changes that you notice.
Your veterinarian may recommend nonshock bark-control collars, medication to help with anxiety, pheromone therapy or behavior modification training for some of these problems. It is also helpful to identify your own responses that might be reinforcing or aggravating certain behavior and to avoid punishment for behavior that is motivated by anxiety.
Older dogs might be a little more sedentary than they were in their younger days, but if your senior dog seems to be sleeping more or resting for longer periods of time it could be a sign of an illness. Make sure they are getting regular walks to keep their mobility and mental stimulation up. It’s also a good idea to monitor weight and body score in your senior pet. This helps you recognize if they are gaining or losing weight, which can affect their quality of life and their ability to move about easily.
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