Everything You Need to Know About Taking Care of Your Dogs as They Age

Dogs are amazing creatures that become a part of the family as they age. Just like with people, there are things you need to be aware of as your dog gets older. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about taking care of your geriatric dog! This includes signs that your dog is aging, what you can do to make their life more comfortable, and how to keep them healthy and active for as long as possible.

Taking care of an aging dog can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding. Seeing your dog happy and healthy in their later years is worth all the extra effort. And, by being prepared for the challenges that come with age, you can make sure your dog has a comfortable and happy life for as long as possible.

 

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As your dog starts to age, you might notice some changes in their behavior or appearance. They might start to sleep more, become less active, or have a decrease in appetite. These are all normal signs of aging in dogs and nothing to be concerned about. However, there are some things you can do to help your dog age comfortably.

Signs of Aging in Dogs

Slowing Down

One of the first things you might notice as your dog ages is that they start to slow down. This can be due to a number of factors, including arthritis, muscle loss, and vision or hearing impairments. If you notice your dog is having trouble getting up or going for walks like they used to, it’s time to talk to your vet. They can help you create a care plan that will make your dog more comfortable and help them age gracefully.

Changes in Appetite

As dogs age, their metabolism slows down and they don’t need to eat as much as they did when they were younger. You might notice your dog isn’t interested in their food as much or that they’re losing weight. This is normal, but you should still talk to your vet to make sure there isn’t an underlying dog health condition causing the weight loss. They can help you adjust your dog’s diet so they’re getting the nutrients they need without overeating.

Lethargy

It’s normal for older dogs to sleep more than young dogs, but if you notice your dog is sleeping all the time and doesn’t have any energy, it could be a sign of a health problem. If your dog is lethargic, it’s important to take them to the vet so they can rule out any medical causes and help your dog get back to their normal energy level.

Changes in Bathroom Habits

As dogs age, they might start having accidents in the house even if they’re house-trained. This can be due to a number of things, including incontinence, arthritis pain, or dementia. If you notice your dog is having accidents in the house, talk to your vet so they can help you figure out the cause and solve the problem.

Loss of Interest in Activities

If your dog used to love going for walks but now doesn’t want to leave the house, it could be a sign that they’re feeling pain or fatigue. Again, this is something you should talk to your vet about so they can help your dog stay active and healthy.

There are a number of other changes you might see in your aging dog, but these are some of the most common ones. If you’re concerned about any changes you see in your dog, always talk to your vet so they can help you figure out what’s going on and how to make your dog comfortable.

How to prevent fast aging in dogs?

One of the most important things you can do for your aging dog is to make sure they stay active and healthy.

 

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Make sure your dog gets enough exercise

Your dog should exercise every day to keep them at a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to all sorts of health problems, including arthritis, which will make your dog age even faster.

Mind your dog’s diet

You should also feed your dog a high-quality diet to make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need as they age. Dog food supplements (multifunctional vitamins, Soft Chews With MSM and Omega-3s, Mega Probiotic and Prebiotic for Dogs, Antioxidant Supplement, & Allergy Immune Supplement) can also be helpful for older dogs, especially if they’re starting to show signs of joint pain or inflammation.

Consider giving your dog some food supplements

Talk to your vet about what dog food supplements (multivitamins for puppies, adults, and senior dogs) might be right for your dog and always follow their dosage recommendations. You can also ask your vet about ways to prevent dog common diseases (Ear Infections, Itchy skin/Skin Infections, Dental Disease, Vomiting/Diarrhea, Stiffness Pain, Urinary Problems) that affect older dogs, such as cancer or heart disease.

Take your dog to the vet for regular check-ups

As your dog gets older, it’s important to take them to the vet for regular checkups and bloodwork. This will help you catch any health problems early on and get your dog the treatment they need.

Be prepared for changes in your dog’s behavior

As your dog ages, they may start to experience changes in their behavior. They may become more clingy or anxious, or they may have accidents in the house even if they’re potty trained. These changes can be a normal part of aging, but they can also be signs of underlying health problems. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, talk to your vet to rule out any medical causes.

Make sure your dog is comfortable

As your dog ages, they may start to have trouble getting around. You may need to help them up onto the couch or into the car. They may also sleep more and have less energy. Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to sleep that’s easy for them to get in and out of. You may also want to consider investing in dog stairs and senior dog strollers to help them get around your home and nearest park. Ibiyaya offers dog stairs which would be perfect for this situation.

Keep your dog active

Just because your dog is aging doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy their favorite activities. Take them for walks, play fetch, and give them plenty of mental stimulation with toys and puzzles. Keeping your dog active will help them stay healthy and delay the onset of age-related health problems.