How to Care for a Senior Dog: What to Do When Your Dog Gets Older

If you've had your dog since puppyhood, you know how old they are. But if they're adopted, even if you've taken them to the vet, you might still have some doubts about their exact age. So, how do you know if your dog is getting old?

If you notice that your dog isn't playing as much as before, isn't responding to your calls, or is spending more time than usual sleeping... then your dog is getting old.

We'll explain the signs that your dog is aging.

Signs of aging in dogs

Just like us, dogs also show signs of aging. We recommend observing their behavior and appearance:

- Progressive loss of vitality. Their movements are slower and more deliberate.

- Gray hairs appear on their paws, below the lower lip and whiskers, and in the tail area.

- Your dog seems to suffer from joint pain and has difficulty getting up after lying down.

- Deafness, blindness, cataracts... if you notice they don't respond to your call or commands.

- Appearance of warts or cysts.

- May experience urinary incontinence.

- Shows an unusual loss of appetite.

- Has signs of depression or abnormal behaviors: destroys things without reason or doesn't obey normally...

- The eyes may acquire a bluish tint, which is perfectly normal and does not affect the dog's vision. If, on the other hand, there is a whitish area, it could be a cataract, which can be harmful. The vet will know how to distinguish between the two.

- At this age, they tend to sleep much more during the day, and at night, don't be alarmed if they wander around the house; it could be due to accumulated joint pain from the day.

- Gains weight, especially if neutered.

If you've nodded to most of these signs, then your dog is getting old.

A regular check-up at the vet and a few care tips will help your dog continue to enjoy a full life filled with affection and health.

Caring for an elderly dog

Your dog has always been full of energy, but now they sleep much more, don't want to play as much, or get tired with a simple walk... their good old days of playing and running in the park are behind them, but you can still enjoy their company; their gaze tells you everything. This is when you need to pay them more attention:

- Provide them with a comfortable bed, preferably not too high so they can get in and out without difficulty.

- Encourage moderate exercise to prevent arthritis and the dreaded obesity. If they already have arthritis, consult your vet for a good exercise plan for your dog.

- Switch to lighter food specially made for senior dogs. Many dogs gain or lose weight with age, so monitor their diet. Your dog can benefit from the same nutrients you do, so try to choose whole foods, with antioxidants, rich in omega 3, which will be very good for their bones and joints.

- Ideally, feed them once or twice a day. However, some elderly dogs prefer to eat small amounts more frequently. In fact, it's easier to digest several light meals a day than one or two larger ones.

- Respect their usual daily habits, schedules, walks, and meals, to ensure the comfort and calm environment they need.

- Give them plenty of hugs and cuddles, let them see that you still love them as always. This contributes to a pleasant quality of life during this stage.

- If they show no interest in their old toys, try something new, something softer, smaller, and squishier. There are special toys for senior dogs.

- Regularly check the condition of their teeth and gums.

- Give them relaxing baths more often. Warm water and a good shampoo will help comfort their tired paws. Take advantage of bath time to quickly examine their skin and coat, checking for wounds, scratches, or strange lumps.

- If they've started to urinate in the house, don't scold them. This behavior could hide an illness, so mention it to your vet.

 

Old age in your dog is another stage of their life where they will need a lot of care and much more affection. They need to know that you will always be by their side, supporting them through this change with all your dedication and patience. Remember that this will contribute to giving them a pleasant quality of life.

 

We hope we've given you a bit more guidance on caring for your elderly dog. As always, if you have any doubts, it's best to consult your vet.

See you in the next post!