Although we all hope with all our hearts that our four-legged friends will remain with us forever, we unfortunately have to resign ourselves to the fact that they will age before us and much faster. This is why it is imperative to learn to caring for an older dog.
Tips for helping an elderly dog
Taking care of an elderly dog also means realizing that, since physiological, metabolism, nutrition and health points of viewa 14 year old dog is profoundly different from a 2 year old dog.
Even if perhaps, in the head, the dog remains the same puppy as ever, he has a few more ailments and some illnesses typical of the elderly. But not only that: the metabolism of an elderly dog is also different than that of a 2 or 7 year old dog.
For example, changes the ability to digest foodthe intestine becomes sluggish or much more reactive. But you may also gain or lose weight despite always eating the same things, your joints become more painful due to arthrosis and you may need shorter walks. (READ also: Attention! 10 foods to NEVER give to our dogs)
And again, vision and hearing declineperhaps becomes more impatient with certain maneuvers, needs particular foods… For all these reasons, here are some small tips for taking care of our dogs.
Keep older dogs active
Even if the dog gets older, this does not mean that it should stop being taken for a walk and to exercise. Obviously, physical activity must be adapted to the physical and health conditions of the elderly dog.
If the dog stops moving completely, loses muscle mass and tends to gain weight moreover. Which speeds up the aging process.
If you notice that your older dog tends to gradually decrease in activity level, don’t shrug and think it’s just old age. Maybe he has some joint pain from arthrosis, maybe he has some developing pathology that is worth identifying in order to treat it before it’s too late. Most owners think of pets “slow down” for old age, but in most cases it is untreated pain.
Get some checks done at the vet
Especially if you notice a decrease in physical activity, appetite, any abnormality in stool or urine or any other symptoms, give your dog a Checked by the vet and some blood and urine tests. In this way you will be able to monitor the dog’s health status and discover kidney, liver or stone problems from the first signs, not when the symptoms are now very evident.
Ensure a comfortable sleep for your dog
Especially if the dog suffers from arthrosisguaranteeing him a restful and pain-free sleep is essential. They exist heated beds and kennels for dogs that help with joint problems.
Change your diet
A 14 year old dog cannot digest like a 2 year old dog. At 20 we also digested stones and at 60, if we eat something slightly different, it causes pain. This is what it means adapt the dog’s diet according to its age. Even if he doesn’t need particular dietary foods, there are kibbles and cans on the market formulated to satisfy his needs nutritional needs of an older dog. And if you follow a homemade diet, ask your nutritionist how to modify it.
Most likely, you will need protein restriction, but ensuring protein sources of high biological value. And it will also be necessary to adjust the dose of carbohydrates, fats and fibre.
Use support harnesses
If the elderly dog has osteoarthritis problems, pain in the legs or spineto help him walk and move there are special ones support harnesses which will allow you to hold him during walks, relieving the weight on his paws. These harnesses are especially useful for helping your senior dog walk, climb stairs or even get into the car.
Adapt the environment to the dog
With older dogs it may be necessary to do some small cleaning modification to the house. Use some rug furthermore, so that the dog has less difficulty getting up and has a less smooth surface to walk on (they slip and hurt themselves on floors that are too smooth).
If there are many stairs to climb, consider whether it is possible to install ramps (there are also removable ones to facilitate getting in and out of cars, sofas and beds).
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