Looking after an older dog is something that’s quite different from looking after any other kind of dog. They have specific needs and requirements that younger dogs don’t have. And it only becomes more important to make sure that all of their basic needs are met as your dog gets older. If you’re not sure of the best ways to approach this, we’re going to talk more about it today.
Pay Attention to their Dental Health
One thing that often gets overlooked in older dogs and dogs, in general, is dental health. Their dental health is important because as they get older, they can become more likely to experience tooth loss and decay and nasty problems like those. So taking care of their teeth, brushing them and getting them checked regularly only becomes more important as they get older.
Exercise Regularly, But Be Patient
It remains important to exercise your dog when they get older. That’s not something that goes away with age. At the same time, you might need to learn to be a bit more patient with your dog and learn to give them the time they need. They might be a little slower to get going when they’re older and they might not be able to keep pace with you the way they once did.
Avoid Letting Them Become Obese
One reason why it’s so important to carry on exercising your dog as they get older is the risk of obesity. As your dog gets older, their joints and bones become weaker naturally. And the risk to their limbs will only increase if they’re also obese. That extra weight is not good for them, so keep them active and eating a healthy diet.
Get Them a Dog Bed Suited to Older Dogs
If you have an elderly dog, they’re going to be unlikely to be able to jump up on the bed or sofa, so it makes sense to get them a large bed that’s specially designed for older dogs. That way, they can lie down and rest without any exertion, and they’ll get the comfort they need. These Pawpedics dog beds are the kinds of beds you should be looking for.
Take Them to Regular Vet Checkups
Finally, you should make sure that you’re remembering to take them to the vet for checkups on a regular basis too. Doing that ensures any problems are spotted early and that they can be treated as soon as possible. You don’t want problems to go overlooked or unnoticed for too long when you have an older dog as their health can deteriorate quickly.
As you can see, there’s a lot that should go into taking care of your elderly dog. They deserve all of your care and attention, and it’s important that you take the task seriously. Be sure to make the most of the tips and information that’s been shared here today because each of these tips will serve you well in one way or another.
*Collaborative Post