Caring For Your Aging Dog

It can be a difficult and emotional time when your dog starts to get older and you face the fact that your beloved dog is slowing down and has different needs then he did just a few years ago. It can be a financially and physically challenging time as you struggle to keep up with the care your dog needs. However, there are some ways that you can improve the quality of your aging dog’s life and possibly even lengthen his life.

Here are some tips for keeping your aging dog happy and healthy:

• Exercise: Be sure that your dog is getting moderate exercise regularly. Moderate exercise will keep him young and active without overstraining his body.


• Food: Look for dog food that is made specifically to meet the nutritional needs of aging or senior dogs. If you have any questions ask your vet for the best food to feed your dog.


• Regular Vet Visits: Keep up with the schedule of vet visits recommended by your vet. Try to see the same vet in the practice each time that you go so that the vet can check for any changes in your dogs coat, skin or general health. Your vet can also screen for common ailments and make suggestions on specific foods or exercises that might benefit your aging dog.


• Grooming: Make sure that your dog is groomed on his regular schedule. You, or your professional groomer, will notice any changes in his appearance or behavior that might necessitate a trip to the vet. It will also keep your dog feeling young and fit.

The most important thing that you can do is to continue to treat your dog with the love and respect that you always have. Make sure that he knows that he is a valued member of the family. Treat him according to his abilities rather than his age.

As with all pets, there will come a time when your dog’s body starts to fail him and he is constant pain. This is one of the hardest times to be a pet owner. It is also one of the most important times. You should work as a team with your vet to establish a treatment plan for your dog. Your vet will advise you on any suggested medications, surgeries or other treatments that might help your pet live in a comfortable way. When the time comes that there are no more possible treatments, your vet will help you decide whether or not your dog needs to be put to sleep. A good vet will not only talk you through the physical and logistical aspects of that procedure but also through the emotional aspects.

With the advances in veterinary medicine, many dogs are living longer and happier lives and that is certainly good news for their owners. With a little bit of proper care, aging dogs can have an excellent quality of life and spend many years in the loving embrace of their families.

Written by Maria Lee of Oh My Dog Supplies - the top place to shop for dog steps online