Caring for Your Older Dog

Dogs for the most part mature at different rates; as a rule, large-breed dogs mature at faster than smaller breeds. As a discretionary guide, dog owners should begin to consider age related issues when their pet reaches age 7. There are several signs signs to look for and many ways to make them more comfortable!


Signs Your Dog is Getting Older:

Your dog doesn’t respond to their name or verbal commands; they also may bark for no reason.

You keep calling, and getting no response when normally your beloved dog would come running, or they stand at the front door and bark at nobody? Hearing loss is a significant sign that your canine companion is getting older; they are simply reacting to sounds that startle them, hence the unmeritedbarking.

Your dog’s eating habits have changed, or they are not eating as much food as they once did.

Older dogs can have a hard time digesting food as they grow older, and so they tend to eat less, and less frequently. Senior dogs are also more prone to tooth and gum disease, so it might even be painful when they eat. If your dog is losing excessive weight, be sure to contact your vet and look into a “senior diet”.

Your dog is gaining weight.

In addition to losing weight due to lack of appetite, your dog may also be gaining weight due to a slowing metabolism. It’s this time in your dog’s life where all those little treats begin to catch up! Exercising regularly, even a light walk with your favorite pooch can help keep the extra pounds off your otherwise healthy senior dog.

Your dog is less energetic than they used to be.

As your pet gets older, joint pain and stiffness may develop. This may mean that your pet has become less active, and less willing to run and play. A lack of energy could also mean that your pet is napping more frequently; as they are aging they are tired more often. Also, signs such as wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing may be a sign of heart and lung problems. If this is the case, your veterinarian is your best option.

What will make your senior dog more comfortable?

EXERCISE!

As your pet ages, exercise becomes more and more crucial to their health. Walking your pet at least once a day is great for keeping their muscles strong and healthy. A great way to keep your dog safe and by your side is a dog leash. Different breeds will of course require different types of leashes.

For smaller dogs, great brands such as La Cincopelca feature calf skin leashes in multiple sizes.

View All Small Dog Leashes

For those larger breeds, with perhaps a little more energy a Ruff Wear leash would be ideal for those days you feel like you’re the one being walked!

View All Large Dog Leashes


A GREAT BED!

Dog beds have become a necessity among pet owners, and now we can accommodate our senior dogs with beds that suit their comfort needs. Orthopedic dog beds have become a must-have for dogs with aching joints and muscles, and even dogs suffering from hip or elbow dysplasia can find relief an orthopedic bed. Whether you’re looking for a heated bed or a memory foam bed, brands like Max Comfort and Dolce Vita have what you need to keep your older dog comfortable.

Therabed Heated Oval Pet Cushion by Dolce Vita