A place in the sun, a basket by the stove: like our human seniors, our four-legged friends are also happy to receive a few small gifts when they are getting on in years. A few simple steps can help make the lives of your senior canine life easier. Old dogs need age-appropriate occupation, shorter walking sessions, particularly healthy food, pleasant warmth, and regular health care with subsequent medical care, if necessary – and of course for lots of love and cuddles.
The usual area control
Every senior dog enjoys their favorite pastimes and has moments when they bloom and suddenly frolic like a puppy again. Let him have fun and enjoy the burst of zest for life. Walking in familiar surroundings is still part of the daily ritual, and several short laps a day make more sense than one long one. Allow yourself and him the right pace and give your aging companion the time he wants to spend sniffing and exploring. Regular walks promote blood circulation and stimulate circulation. The “old bones” are moved around, and often the stiffness of the joints has disappeared for a while after the walk.
Exercise for older dogs – if you rest, you rust
Just rely on your dog’s wits! You know his temperament and can best assess his current state of health. Motivate your senior, but don’t overwhelm him. Let him “have a say”.
Dog place, agility, etc
A senior who enjoyed dog sports at a young age can continue to do so in old age. Adjust the length of the course, the height of the obstacles, and the speed to suit your ability. Older dogs that have not been trained should not suddenly be confronted with unfamiliar, strenuous activities. The strain on the joints, heart, and circulation would simply be too great.
Playing, retrieving & tricks
Playing also keeps your darling mentally and physically fit. This can be sniffing out food, playing hide and seek, looking for your favorite toy, unpacking parcels, playing the shell game, mastering little tricks, or being clickers. Or maybe you even teach him new tricks, like slalom walking or walking backward. Many game suggestions that are suitable for puppies / young dogs are also suitable for old dogs because they have in common that the concentration span is rather short and the physical strain should be kept low.
Seniors Sports
Swimming: Swimming is a great alternative for damaged joints and osteoarthritis. That relieves and strengthens at the same time. You should be careful in cool weather, as seniors catch a cold more easily. So then dry well and wrap up warm. By the way, dog life jackets with a handle and buoyancy elements are great support: They protect the back, promote sensible and preventive muscle building and give the dog the security of being held by you.
Caution: the senses are weakening! Exercise more caution in all outdoor activities, because your senior is no longer aware of environmental stimuli as quickly and his or her ability to react has probably decreased. Whether cyclists, cars, children playing, or rowdy young dogs – think and react for them and defuse critical situations in advance.
Going for a walk is fun
If your four-legged friend is no longer so good on paws, treat him to the wind in a safe basket on the luggage rack, a bicycle trailer, or in a dog buggy. Your senior will be delighted to get outdoors and partake in the outside world. Occasionally you can take a breather in the grass, go for a short walk or swim in the lake before continuing. The proud look from the vehicle and funny flapping ears are a wonderful reward for you in addition to your own fitness program.
Proper nutrition for old dogs
The findings in the field of pet food have contributed to an increase in the life expectancy of dogs. Modern, healthy, and balanced nutrition is an indispensable contribution to the health of your favorite. Now at the latest, at an advanced age, feed and supplements gain in importance with increasing age. With their help, age-related changes such as digestive problems, heart, kidney, or liver diseases can be prevented or even eliminated and organ functions can be supported. The timely conversion to age-appropriate food, therefore, has a significant impact on the health and well-being of the dog. See your vet for advice on the best diet. A blood count can also provide information about your pet’s physical condition and any deficiencies. Only feed high-quality feed, without added sugar or grain and without flavor enhancers. Find out exactly what your senior needs and work with your veterinarian to create a feeding schedule.
Important: A feed change is made by gradually increasing the addition of the new feed over a period of at least one week. A sudden change in food can lead to diarrhea or constipation, as the digestive system is less adaptable with age. Put the food at room temperature. Old dogs sometimes react to cold food with stomach problems. And make sure that your darling does not become too heavy due to a lack of exercise or a poor diet, especially in old age, being overweight is “poison” for the musculoskeletal system and heart. Speaking of food intake, an aid that old four-legged friends gladly accept is raised food and water bowls. The wear and tear of the musculoskeletal system can make it difficult or even impossible for your darlings to take in food and water from close to the ground.
Warm & soft – well-bedded through old age
Some senior dogs freeze much faster than when they were young. Give your darling a rain-repellent quilted vest or a self-knitted sweater. You should support your temperature balance at the latest from 0 degrees or in strong wind and wetness. When talking to the neighbors or when shopping, do not stay in the same place for too long and make sure that the dog is always in motion outdoors and that it does not sit or lie on cold or wet ground for long. If you like to visit restaurants, then invest in an insulating and soft blanket that can be spread out in no time and protects your dog from the hard, cold floor and thus stiff bones. Most old four-legged friends appreciate soft surfaces above all else. The beloved sleeping and lying areas, in particular, can now handle foam padding and cozy blankets or a comfortable dog bed. Special orthopedic dog beds and pillows may be a good choice if your dog is dealing with bone and joint problems. If in doubt, visit a pet shop together, many shops allow you to try out your chairs! Washable pillows and covers can generally be an advantage, as incontinence can occur in very old animals.
Provision for emergencies
Please remember early on that a dog can mean more time and money as it gets older. Take out at least health insurance for your dog in an emergency as early as possible, or set up an emergency account for your darling. Your aging four-legged friend may need medical help such as surgery, physical therapy, or medication to regain their strength. Don’t let him down! Coping with stairs or smooth floors can also be a problem in old age; think about solutions early on. From a certain weight, it becomes problematic when you have to carry your darling. And find trustworthy dog sitters in good time, because an old dog sometimes needs to be looked after when you have to go out.
A medical check-up at least twice a year
Go for a medical check-up and, if necessary, nutritional advice at least twice a year. If your fur nose is now walking less, the claws can become too long, make walking more difficult and, as a result of problems in the musculoskeletal system, favor it. Do not forget to take care of more frequent claw cutting and grooming so that nothing tugs and pinches. So your four-legged friend can still feel at ease even in old age.
Your dog will have no problem getting older. Unlike us humans, dogs do not mind when they are getting on in years, their fur turns gray and the youthful energy gives way to wise serenity. Senior canines normally adapt very well to changed circumstances, they move with their time. Simply support your senior in this. Of course, your worries are understandable, after all, you want to spend as long as possible by the side of your four-legged friend. But fears that are too great are unfounded and your fear will spread. Focus your attention on the beautiful sides of aging together. Give your old friends plenty of time, cuddles, and attention to keep them happy and healthy. It’s the best gift you can give him.
