At Midway Animal Hospital, we understand the challenges of caring for an elderly dog. Luckily, our team is here to provide information on how to take care of an elderly dog so you can be sure your pet is still getting the most out of life.
What Is Considered Old Age For a Dog?
Old age varies for different breeds and depends on a pet’s genetics and lifestyle. Small breed dogs show signs of old age at 10 to 11, while large breed old age ranges from 8 to 10. Giant breed dogs can begin showing signs by ages five to six.
What Should I Be Doing For My Senior Dog?
You can do several things to keep your senior dog happy and healthy:
- Age-appropriate diet: As dog’s age, their energy levels decrease, and the risk of obesity increases. A diet of senior dog supplements and foods is formulated with these lifestyle changes in mind.
- Exercise: Regular exercise is essential to manage your pet’s metabolism and avoid obesity.
- Regular vet check-ups: Staying up to date on vaccinations and blood work is crucial to help you understand how to take care of an elderly dog.
- Oral health: Oral hygiene can impact your pet’s overall health, so stay consistent with annual teeth cleaning, daily teeth brushing, or giving your pet dental treats.
Are Senior Dogs Hard to Take Care Of?
Many pet owners don’t know what to expect with an aging dog, but as long as you understand how to make an old dog comfortable, your senior dog can still enjoy their remaining years to the fullest. Loss of hearing and eyesight and trouble with mobility are typical in aging pets. You can accommodate your pet by limiting their access to stairs and closing off surroundings so that they don’t wander too far away.
How to Make an Elderly Dog Comfortable
If you’re wondering, “what do senior dogs need more of?” and looking for ways to help your furry friend stay comfortable, you can do several things:
- Mental stimulation for senior dogs: Keeping your pet mentally stimulated with toys or low-impact activities is an excellent way to strengthen their cognitive function.
- Attention to detail: You should closely monitor your pet’s behavior. When your pet loses interest in activities they would typically enjoy, such as playing, interacting, eating, and drinking, consult with your vet about what to do.
Senior Pet Care at Midway Animal Hospital
If your dog shows signs of old age, visit us at Midway Animal Hospital. We are happy to give you tips on caring for an elderly dog. Old age is a normal part of life, and we are here to ensure your dog lives out their remaining years as happily and comfortably as possible. Schedule an appointment online and get the help you need.
We started at Midaway Animal Hospital in summer of 2017 after relocating here from Ohio. Our 15 year old dachshund and 7 year old corgi/beagle mix are always in the best of hands no matter what their needs are. All of the vets here are phenomenal and super knowledgeable, the entire staff and front office are always helpful and listen to any concerns and truly care for our dogs and put up with questions anytime! Truly blessed to have Midway Animal Hospital for our fur kids.
Anja M.
