Deciding to get a puppy is a large undertaking, but they are worth all the hassle considering how adorable and full of love they can be. Having a pet dog provides many benefits, such as alleviating any loneliness, being a great companion, and providing you with a great way to exercise. They say a dog is a man’s best friend and considering the amount of joy a dog can bring to a person or family’s life, it is easy to see why.
Yet, it is important to remember that a puppy will not stay a puppy for long. Dogs grow up fast. And your small bundle of puppy energy will soon transform into a teenage pup before becoming an adult dog and then a senior. During all these stages of its life, you will need to cater for all differences that appear through dietary requirements, exercise recommendations, and any complications such as joint issues.
Is your dog starting to age and you are unsure of how to give them the best care? After all, they have been there for you, so it is your turn to look after them and ensure that they are relaxed, well-rested and able to live their final years pain-free. Read on for a guide on how to care for older and senior dogs so that they can live a happy, healthy life.
Dietary Changes
Your dog’s eating and dietary habits will change and need to be catered for as they age. Of course, the types of food they eat will also depend on their size and breed, but a dog who enters their senior years will need to have a diet that is designed for their age. You can speak to your vet about finding the best diet for your dog. They may be able to assign your dog the best food suited to their age, weight, and breed. Plus, if the vet has known your dog for a number of years now, they will also be familiar with any issues they may have had in the past that may impact their dietary requirements.
Your dog may not be too happy about the change in diet to start with. Therefore, you may wish to monitor their eating habits to ensure that they are eating enough. If there are any issues or changes that seem abnormal, then speak to your vet. They will be able to double-check that your dog is okay. It is most likely that your dog is adjusting to the new food you are giving them.
If you have another dog or a few other dogs in the house, you will need to ensure that the young dogs do not have access to your senior dog’s food. Not only are they quicker and more likely to get to the food before your senior dog, but the food may not be ideal for your younger pups. You will also want to make sure that your senior dog doesn’t eat the food left out for your other dogs, too.
Caring for their Joints and Bones
As your dog ages, they may start to lose their mobility and need help with their joints and bones. The best way to counter these problems is to invest in joint tablets for dogs and learn the best joint care for dogs. YuMOVE has a large selection of joint tablets for dogs that are ideal for your aging dog. What’s more, their supplements are clinically proven to work in just six weeks, so you can rest assured in knowing that your dog will soon be feeling the benefits not long after you introduce them into their diet. These joint tablets for dogs will aid stiff joints, support joint structure, and help mobility, providing your dog with a better quality of life.
Continue to Exercise Your Senior Dog…
Although your dog is aging, this does not mean you should stop exercising them. In fact, exercise can help improve their mood and also allow them to work out any stiff joints they may have. Just be sure to keep an eye out for how your dog moves and walks when you are out and about, as any changes in how they act could provide you with signs as to how comfortable they are.
… but Adapt their Exercise Routine
While you do not want to stop exercising your dog, you will want to adapt their current exercise routine so that it caters to their needs. Because your dog may struggle to move, you may need to reduce the walk time and also pick an easier path for them to walk. Those hour-long hikes up hills may need to change into a 30-minute walk around the local neighborhood.
Caring for your aging dog can take a lot, but at the end of the day, they are a responsibility you undertook when you brought them home as a pup. Be sure to look after them and that they are as comfortable and happy as possible.