As your dog gets older, they may start to slow down, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still have a lot of life (and love) left. Pay attention to your aging dog’s changing abilities so you can adjust their care and support them in living a quality life. Being proactive can keep them more comfortable and active.
Keep Moving
Even if your dog moves more slowly, you want to keep working their muscles and joints. If they lay in one place for too long, their joints will become stiff, and it will become harder (and more painful) to get up and about. Take regular walks, even if you go shorter distances. Alternate between letting your dog sniff and explore and keeping them walking at a normal pace. Swimming can be another beneficial activity that is easy on the joints.
Guiding your dog through stretching exercises can help as well. Have them stand in one spot, then use a piece of dog food or a small treat to encourage them to move their head and neck in different directions, going side to side, up and down, and toward various parts of their body. As they get used to the exercises, practice holding each position for five to 10 seconds.
Soothe Their Muscles
Take the time to periodically massage your pet’s joints as you’re petting them. This can help improve circulation, reduce fluid buildup, and alleviate soreness. Use light pressure but make sure your dog is still comfortable. You can also give them warm towels or a heating pad (designed for pets) to lay on for additional relief, and talk to your veterinarian about adding fish oil to their diet.
Improve their comfort while they sleep as well by getting a plush yet supportive dog bed or adding some extra blankets to their existing bed. Laying on the hard ground can be painful as they get older, especially if they have arthritis. Some padding can make it easier for them to get up and down and find a comfortable position to lay.
Soften Their Food
Senior dogs often have more difficulty chewing and digesting hard food, and their dental health may not be the best. Try adding warm water to soften up their food or mixing a bit of moist food in with their regular kibble. There are also some varieties designed specifically for senior dogs with easier to digest ingredients and a softer formulation. You want to make sure that your dog is getting proper nutrition, so making some changes to their food may be necessary.
Stimulate Their Mind
Even if your dog’s body is slowing down, you can still keep their mind sharp. Use treat puzzles to encourage your dog to sniff and move things around in order to get their reward. They have to figure out how to access the treat. You can make homemade puzzles by placing treats in a muffin tin and placing tennis balls on top.
If your dog likes learning tricks and commands, continue teaching those as well. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or difficult, just a new skill for your aging pet to practice and plenty of affection for their efforts.
Making small changes can make a big difference in your senior dog’s quality of life. If you’re headed out of town, board your dog at Lake Wylie Pet Resort so you know their needs are being met. They will have opportunities for rest, play, and socialization with other dogs in a safe setting, plus they can get groomed while they are there! Regular grooming can help them to look and feel their best at any age. Contact Lake Wylie Pet Resort today to reserve your pet’s spot!