How To Take Care Of Older Dogs
Posted on: 25 August 2015
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Caring for older dogs is extremely important as they tend to have unique needs as they age. It is important that you pay close attention to their health and be sure they get adequate nutrition. Here are some tips for taking care of older dogs.
Get Regular Check-Ups
One of the best things you can do for your senior dog is to bring them in for regular check-ups at a veterinary center, like Grove Center Veterinary Hospital. The vet will be able to assess their health and inform you if you should change up their routines. You might notice that their hips or legs are hurting, but the vet will be able to look for the signs. The vet can also perform body condition evaluations, which look to see if they have physical ailments and if they are underweight or overweight. If you have any concerns about your dog's diet or activity level, bring up those concerns during the check-ups.
Feed Them a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is crucial for any dog, but especially senior dogs. They have special needs in order to prevent age-related conditions like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Make sure you are giving them enough nutrients, avoiding human food, and feeding them food that does not contain a lot of fat or preservatives. Your vet can provide you with recommendations for the amount of food and good brands for your senior dog. The food should have adequate amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and L-carnitine.
Encourage Gentle Exercise
In terms of exercise, it is important to find a balance between avoiding obesity and allowing your dog to get regular exercise while not overdoing it. As your dog ages, it might not be able to go on such long walks or play fetch for as long as it used to. Pay attention to cues from your dog that it is getting tired on your normal walks and needs you to shorten them. They might not run around and play as much, but that's okay. Take it easy and offer ways for them to exercise in a gentler way. Provide your dog with plenty of toys inside and outside so they will let you know when it is play time.
Brush Their Teeth
Dental hygiene is also essential for an aging dog. Just like with humans, dogs can develop gum disease without properly brushing their teeth. Your vet or groomer can also provide professional teeth cleaning service. There are also chew toys and treats that help to clean your dog's teeth naturally.