Tip 2: Get Your Dog’s Blood Work Checked
As dogs get older, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian on a regular basis for checkups. Besides an annual or biannual exam, it is suggested that pet parents get yearly blood work done for their senior dogs.
Its recommended that you do blood work to check your senior dogs white and red blood cells and their kidney and liver function to make sure that theyre healthy. This is an easy way of being able to detect any kind of disease.
Tip 1: Keep Your Senior Dog Active
As dogs age, it’s important that they continue to get plenty of exercise. If they dont move it, they lose it. Muscle mass is the main driver of metabolism, and dogs that lose muscle mass develop frailty syndrome, which accelerates the aging process.
If a dog’s activity level gradually decreases over time, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Owners of old dogs should watch for subtle signs of pain and visit a veterinarian to come up with an ideal treatment plan. Pet parents still think that slowing down is normal for old age. It isnt always the case—it is indicative of untreated pain.
Dog monitors that attach to a dog collar, such as the Whistle 3 dog GPS tracker and activity monitor, are useful tools that are designed to help pet parents keep tabs of their dog’s activity level. If activity levels are low, dog owners can adjust a pet’s exercise routine to include more playtime or longer walks.
Keeping your senior dog active will also help prevent weight gain. Keeping your dog thin is the most important thing you can do to help minimize the effects of arthritis.
For the Outdoor Adventurer
For dogs who love to romp in the great outdoors, aging can be challenging. It’s hard to watch your pet’s enthusiastic run slow to a walk. But that doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy all nature has to offer, and planning a picnic is one of the best ways to do it. So pack a special lunch for both of you and enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the lake or in the park.
Is your senior dog too frail to enjoy the long walks or trail runs you two used to enjoy together? Grab your kid’s little red wagon or stroller (or even rent a golf cart!) and take your pup for a ride along your favorite route. They’ll love being able to see the old sights again, and the novelty of their new mode of transportation will be an excitement in and of itself.
Enjoy a Dip in the Ocean
Has your pup ever seen the ocean? If not, this can be the perfect bucket list experience – just make sure that if you’re far from the coast, the trip isn’t too ambitious for your senior pet. Even if they can’t exactly run and play in the waves like they would have when they were younger, feeling the sand under their feet and dipping a paw in the salty water will be thrilling for a senior dog who loves the great outdoors.
Caring For Your Senior Dog
Whether your old dog is as energetic as ever, or he’s slowing down due to health challenges, they all need a happy and good quality life.
Here’s what you can do to make that happen, and be sure to read this article too!
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