Care for Older Dogs

Dogs, like people, get a little slower as they age. They’re also more prone to injury and disease, but there are steps we can take to keep them as healthy as we can for as long as possible.

The expected life span of a dog is often determined in part by the breed and, while smaller dogs tend to live longer, there are always exceptions. You will know when your dog is beginning to show signs of ‘old age’ and that’s the point to consider taking him to the vet once per year for a routine health check.  Your vet, as a professional, will be able to identify signs of injury or illness that you may miss and prevention is always preferable to cure.

As dogs become a little less active they will need less energy. Reducing their food by a small amount will help to keep them at a healthy weight. Remember that an overweight dog will place more strain on leg and hip joints and will also be more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis and organ failure, particularly in the liver or kidneys.

If your dog has been used to being fed once per day, split the food into two portions and feed twice per day.  This places less strain on the digestive system and provides a more even supply of energy.

All dogs should have a ready supply of clean drinking water, but some large dogs may begin to find it difficult to reach a bowl on the floor. There are a number of raised bowls on the market that could solve this problem.

While an older dog may not be quite as keen to run, it doesn’t mean that they won’t still value the exercise of a few short walks. Not only is the exercise physically good for them (and you) but the stimulus of smells, sounds and sights will help to keep your dog mentally active.

Do monitor your dog’s ability to cope with dry food. Kibble is very hard and may need to be moistened with a little warm water. You may also wish to consider reducing the amount of dry food and mixing in some canned food as a supplement to make eating easier.

We hope that this article helps you to help your dog to have a happy and healthy life in his declining years.