11 Tips to Help Older Dogs

Whether your dog has grown old with you or you have taken in an older dog from a rescue centre, or maybe thinking of adopting an older dog from a friend, you will need to pay special attention to the care of your dog. A lot of the details can be picked up with careful observation of what your dog is doing and noticing when something different is happening.

Food and Water

• When feeding make the food, you give your, dog a consistency and make up the dog enjoys.
• Provide food at a suitable temperature, slightly warmed food can taste better for your dog.
• Check you have a suitable bowl. Perhaps bending his neck to the ground is a bit difficult. The bowl put on a stool will help. You can also purchase stands to do the same job.
• More thought needs to be given to the content of the food. Less protein is needed, he is not as energetic as he was,  as well as reducing the amount of salt. There are special foods available for the older dog
• A reduced amount of food overall is probably sensible. Weight can be put on rapidly because of the reduced amount of exercise you dog will be getting.
• Check  how much water is being drunk daily. Any sudden changes in the amount drunk needs the attention of the vet.

Out and About

• Mornings or evenings that are very cold might cause problems so be cautious in letting your dog out. Wearing a coat may help if it is not too cold.
• If you go away it would be better to get someone to look after you older dog in your own home.
• Keep all your injections up to date. Older dogs can have a reduced immunity to disease.
• Check on teeth and anal sacks to keep them clean and empty. You may need the vet to help with these.
• Use rugs or blankets for the dog to sleep on indoors and outside. Sleeping on cold or damp surfaces are not good for the joints. Whilst rough surfaces can also cause problems with abrasions and discomfort for the elbows and hocks.
• Long walks should now be out of the question. Never go too far, better to have more shorter walks which your dog will enjoy rather getting back sore and aching and taking time to recover.

Using  these tips to improve the comfort and the quality of life for your older dog  will mean you will enjoy the companionship and  obvious gratitude of your friend for many years.

Your Older Dog