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Keeping Your Elderly Dog Healthy

August 15, 2024
Is your dog in his golden years? This is an incredibly special time in your pet’s life. Although puppies are great, elderly dogs are also quite cute and fascinating. As your pet gets older, you may notice that he becomes even more affectionate. Older dogs are generally calm and sweet, and all they want is affection, belly rubs, and treats. Fido’s feeding and activity regimens will need to change as he ages. A local Lexington, VA veterinarian offers some advice on this subject below. Feed Your Dog A Nutritious Diet Your veterinarian will be able to advise you when it’s time to transition to senior food. This should happen gradually over several days. Rapid changes could upset your pup’s furry belly!  You may need to adjust Fido’s portion sizes. Fido will be less active than he previously was, so he may not need as many calories as he once did. However, some dogs may need more. If your pet has thin fur, he may need extra calories to keep warm. Reach out to your Lexington, KY representative for specific advice. Schedule Regular Visits To Your Lexington, KY Veterinary Clinic When your canine partner reaches senior status, he may need more frequent visits to our clinic. Between appointments, you’ll need to watch for indications of illness. Here are some warning signs: 
  • Lameness
  • Vomiting
  • Bad Breath
  • Stiffness
  • Trouble Climbing
  • Difficulty Getting Up And Down
  • Restlessness
  • Vision Trouble
  • Irritability
  • Swelling Of The Abdomen
  • Behavior Changes
  • Anxiety
  • Behavioral Changes
  • Itching
  • Skin/Fur Concerns
  • Appetite Changes
  • Diarrhea
  • Breathing issues
  • Urinary problems
  • Disorientation
  • Lethargy
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Accidents 
  • Weight Increase
If you notice any of the above, call your veterinarian right away. Keep Your Canine Pal Active Canines, like humans, slow down as they get older. Fido may be more interested in catching Zs than squirrels at this stage in his life. While your pet may appear adorable lying calmly on his doggy bed, do not allow him to become a furry couch potato. Your dog requires exercise to keep his bones and muscles strong. Proper exercise can also help fight obesity, which is quite frequent in elderly pets. Daily walks are ideal for the vast majority of dogs. Shorter, more frequent walks may be the most beneficial. Swimming can also be useful for certain puppies, if the weather is warm and your pet enjoys it. Consult your veterinarian for specific advice. Keep Playing  An elderly dog can still enjoy and profit from playing, even if he isn’t as energetic and speedy as he once was. You may need to shift your focus away from just burning off extra energy and toward tasks that challenge your pup’s brain. You can play the following games:
  • Three Cups
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Hide & Seek
Puzzle toys and snuffle mats are very popular among our furry companions. Fido may still love playing games like Fetch. Just make sure you don’t overwork him! Protect Fido From Weather Older dogs are far more susceptible to heat and cold than younger pets. If Fido has thin fur, he may require a jacket when it is cold. Your canine buddy’s bed should not be in a drafty spot in the winter or in direct sunshine in the summer. During summer, have plenty of fresh, cool water available, and consider placing out extra bowls. In winter, offer your cute pet lots of warm, comfortable napping spots. Enhance Your Pet’s Dining Experience Your vet may recommend that you give your elderly dog elevated dinnerware. These can be more comfortable for some pooches, since they eliminate the need to splay their legs or strain their necks while eating. However, some dogs, particularly large dogs and those who ‘wolf’ their food, are at risk of bloating. Ask your vet for specific advice. Do Not Skip Grooming Baths are unlikely to appeal to your dog any more than they did when he was a puppy. Grooming is about more than just making Fido look good. It also has a significant effect on his comfort! Dust, grime, and dead fur on your pet’s coat will cause itching and discomfort. It will also do little to protect him from the elements. If your dog is enormous or even medium-sized, it may be tough to get him in and out of the bathtub. You also don’t want your pet to slide and fall. It may be a good idea to visit a groomer. They typically have stations where Fido may easily enter and exit. Maintain Proper Dental Care Dental problems are frequent in older dogs. Gum disease, in particular, is common among senior dogs. Dental problems can have a big impact on your pet’s quality of life. Consult your veterinarian for assistance on how to keep those choppers clean. Look for warning indicators such as bleeding gums, bad breath, drool, tartar buildup, and changes in eating habits. Look Into Giving Fido Supplements Supplements are not a cure-all, but they won’t hurt. They do not, however, have a universal application. Fido’s age and condition ultimately determine what is best for him. For example, glucosamine and fish oil may aid in joint support and may be good for pooches with arthritis. Vitamin A may be more beneficial to a dog with vision impairments. Just be sure to check with your vet before offering your four-legged pal something new. Offer Fido Soothing Massages Massages can be quite effective for relaxing stiff muscles. Many dogs like a light rubdown! This is also good for Fido’s mobility and circulation. Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions. Provide Simple Doggy Comforts Small changes can have a tremendous impact on your cute pet’s comfort levels. Make sure your canine partner has a comfortable bed. We usually recommend orthopedic beds for older dogs because of the added support they offer. You may want to get a few different beds. That way, Fido will have a comfortable place to sleep at your feet no matter what room you’re in. Pet ramps or steps can also be quite handy, especially if Fido has difficulties climbing stairs or getting into and out of the car. Remember Those Furry Feet! Long nails may not appear to be a huge problem, but they are more necessary than most people believe. If Fido’s claws get too long, they will alter the angle of his toes to the ground. This can alter his gait and stride, increasing the risk of deadly slips and falls. Furthermore, this might aggravate or contribute to issues such as arthritis. Love And Tail Wags At the end of the day, one of the most important things you can do is make your pet feel loved and safe. Spend a lot of time with Fido. Talk to him, pet him, and let him know he is valued. Your four-legged buddy will never outgrow his love of belly rubs. Unfortunately, the time we spend with our canine companions goes by much too quickly! Conclusion: As your pet ages, he will benefit from little adjustments to his nutrition and activity regimen. Ask your veterinarian for specific advice on how to care for your senior dog. Visit our Lexington, KY Animal Clinic Do you have any concerns about the health or care of your elderly dog? Get in touch with your Lexington, KY pet hospital now!

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