There is nothing quite like earning the love of a senior dog. Senior dogs are wise, affectionate, and they can amaze us well into their golden years.
Dogs require care similar to humans and vehicles – preventative maintenance can keep them all going for a long time! However, in my case, I adopted a senior dog when she was already 12 years old. I honestly didn’t think Penny would make for more than a year with me due to the rough condition she was in when I rescued her.
But with TLC, medication, and a new routine to suit her aging needs, Penneth Snoodle McSnackerson (Aka Penny) turns 15 years in October 2022!
In this blog post, I will cover tips for caring for a senior dog so they can thrive as long as possible.
How to Care for a Senior Dog
Senior Blood Panel
Once your dog hits their senior years (which varies based on breed), it’s important to have your veterinarian perform a senior blood panel. This will give better insight as to how your pup’s body is functioning. Although it’s never easy to receive “bad” news on your furry friend’s health, the earlier the vet detects an issue, the more likely your fur baby will be able to overcome or defeat it with treatment, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Medication & Supplements
I don’t care how “holistic” you think you are – when it comes to your pet’s health, you need to listen to a veterinarian’s advice regarding medication and supplements. If you’re unsure of what the doctor is telling you, you can always get a second opinion. Our animal companions aren’t human, so they shouldn’t be treated as such. Just because you are vegan or against western medicine, doesn’t mean that’s good for your animal. Always provide your senior dog with proper medication and supplements based on professional recommendations.
Diet
As your pup ages, their dietary needs will change. Based on your dog’s senior blood panel and health situation, you may need to change their diet, or at the very least, switch to a food that’s appropriate for older dogs. Senior dogs require unique nutrients, especially compared to puppies. Consider a food like Nom Nom, which is easy for senior dogs to consume.
Potty Time
Senior dogs will need to relieve themselves more frequently. Do not deprive them of outdoor time, and try to create a new potty schedule based on their aging needs. You can also take advantage of doggy diapers and potty pads to assist. Remember that accidents may happen as our dogs enter their golden years – never, ever, ever scold them for such.
Comfortable Sleep
Have you ever been in so much pain that you can’t sleep? This is often the case for our older dogs. Medication can alleviate pain, or keep it at bay, so be sure to consult your veterinarian for that. But in the meantime, it’s a good idea to have a few sleep options for your pup. Soft, cushioned beds that your dog can easily access are absolutely necessary for their comfort. Dogs prefer specific sleeping scenarios, just like humans. So please, offer them an extra cozy bed for their aging needs. Penny loves her donut bed with two super soft blankets.
Ramps
Pet stairs and ramps are incredible inventions. I personally have a soft ramp leading up to my bed to make it easy for all of my animals to sleep with me. Ramps can be used for our furry friends to access the couch and vehicle as well. Amazon has a wide variety of pet ramp options that are worth looking into, no matter your budget.
Becoming More Mindful of Your Home & Yard
Senior dogs have a tendency to lose strength in their bones and muscles. As your canine companions ages, you may need to add more rugs to your home to help them walk around, or make changes to your yard to suit their needs. Our older dogs are more susceptible to injury, but many times it can be avoided. It’s also a good idea to be more aware of wildlife and insects that could cause harm to your dog. Senior dogs have a harder time recovering from injury or bites.
Tips for Caring for a Senior Dog Recap
- Take your dog to a veterinarian for a senior blood panel.
- Change their diet as appropriate.
- Give medications and supplements based on your vet’s recommendations.
- Add more potty time, and adapt to their new needs with diapers or potty pads.
- Give easier access to more comfortable sleep.
- Add ramps to your home or vehicle so your pup doesn’t miss out on activities they’ve always loved.
- Make sure your senior dog is safe from bugs, wildlife, or other hazards in your home or yard.
It’s easy to care for a senior dog when you adapt to their aging needs. Being aware and mindful of their health and happiness is ultimately more important.
How have you changed your home or routine to better care for your senior dog? Let us know in the comments!
Pam says
Thank you for all the loving tips for our senior companions.