How to Help Your Senior Dog Enjoy Life to the Fullest

Are you the proud owner of a senior pup? Older dogs tend to be wiser and more settled than their younger counterparts, giving their owners love and companionship without some of the training concerns that go along with puppyhood. Keeping an older dog comfortable, healthy, and happy can be a bit challenging, but thankfully, there are ample resources available to help.

The Underlying Worry

If you own an older dog or are considering taking one under your wing, it’s likely that lingering in the back of your mind is the same worry that goes through all owners of senior pets: the end. Eventually, we all have to say a final farewell to our beloved companions. It’s important not to let that inhibit your enjoyment of your furry family member. Rather than focusing on the inevitable, make it a point to savor the here and now.

Supplements for Health and Wellness

Just like people, dogs often experience a general decline in health as they age. For example, their mobility may wane, their energy levels may drop, and they might have issues with digestion. As Science-Based Medicine points out, there are many supplements out there for treating specific issues. There is glucosamine for joint support, probiotics to improve digestion, and herbs and vitamins for a wide variety of health concerns.

Instead of trying to accumulate a supplement for each possible issue, another way to help your pooch is to use CBD for your dog. Different types of CBD products, such as oil, appear to be very effective for a variety of health-related troubles, such as settling your dog’s nerves during thunderstorms, reducing general inflammation, and helping to get skin issues under control. However, you should discuss any treatments you’re considering with your veterinarian before you begin.

When You Need to Lend a Hand

Older dogs often experience a loss of mobility. Even if they are healthy, there can be a reduction in strength, arthritis may develop, or he might experience issues with balance. When you take them on daily walks, make sure they feel no strain and get to rest when needed. If your dog is willing to wear dog boots, get them a pair! You can find some of the best dog boots products in online stores such as https://walkeepaws.com/blogs/news/best-dog-boots-that-stay-on and their likes. Such accessories can protect your dog’s feet from the ice, snow and heated asphalt, and all kinds of outdoor dirt that can hurt their paws. Besides, these boots can be taken off once you reach home, and lets you keep the home clean as well. However, as your dog ages, the health issues can become too difficult to handle. Your old pooch might become too weak to handle exercise on its own. But, worry not, there are a number of assistive devices you can use to help them independent when these issues set in. For instance, pet stairs or ramps can help your dog climb into the car or join you on the sofa. A stroller can keep little dogs coming along to the park, and there are lift harnesses for you to help hoist your pooch into the car or onto the bed.

Your dog may also begin to make messes in the house as they age. You’ll want to address these accidents as quickly as possible to help avoid stains and lingering odors. In addition to good dog-safe cleaners, you may also want to schedule an appointment with professional carpet cleaners to take care of the more serious issues.

Verbal Signs of Pain

It’s important to know when your senior dog is in pain so that his symptoms are treated right away. He could be experiencing an underlying condition, such as arthritis, a urinary infection, or an illness. While limping, squinting, and a hunched-over posture are visible signs, dogs can express pain through sounds, too. Listen for yelping, howling, whining, or whimpering. If your dog makes these sounds consistently or when touched, get him checked out by a vet.

More of Him to Love?

One important way to help your aging dog is to ensure you keep him at a healthy weight. Being too heavy can result in wear and tear on your dog’s joints and aggravate issues such as arthritis, and just like humans, sometimes dogs become more sedentary with age and pack on pounds. Basically, you want to be able to feel your dog’s ribs under a light layer of flesh. Compare your dog’s weight with Pet Care Rx’s chart to get an idea of whether you need to make adjustments in your dog’s diet or activity level.

You Are What You Eat

The old expression applies to your pooch just as well as to people. It’s important to feed your dog a balanced diet designed specifically for his age group and activity level. There is a wide variety of senior dog foods, such as high-fiber choices, options with supplements included, foods that cater to dogs who aren’t active, and selections that help with allergies. Some senior dogs require prescription dog foods. If your vet recommends a prescription diet for your dog to help control a health condition, it’s important to stick to that diet.

When it comes to helping your senior dog relish every moment, you have resources available. There are pet doctors, supplements, devices, and nutritious diets to help keep your pooch in top form. With a few good choices, your canine companion can continue to enjoy all that life has to offer.