Tips and Tricks for Taking Care of Your Senior Pup

Introduction

As dogs age, their needs shift. Just as a puppy needs things an adult doesn’t, a senior requires some advanced planning and common-sense considerations in order to thrive. Here are some of the best ways to adapt to your furry friend’s needs.

Tips and Tricks for Taking Care of Your Senior Pup

Keep Them Moving

A body in motion stays in motion. Just like humans, dogs often benefit from regular exercise as they age. Not only does this keep stiffening joints from becoming an even greater problem, but walks, park days, and games of fetch help maintain muscle mass. Those muscles support everything from stability to digestion.

Consider moving away from the pavement. Dog walking in Chicago doesn’t have to follow the sidewalk. Long walks or playdates in grassy areas or along unpaved trails give your dog’s feet and joints a bit of a break. When you’re looking for a dog walker in Chicago, ask about what routes they take and how often they visit fields, dog parks, etc.

Ensure your dog walker has experience with senior dogs and knows how to accommodate a slower pace and frequent breaks. Senior dogs with fading vision or hearing sometimes become defensive, so talk about how many dogs a walker handles at one time.

Maintain Regular Vet Visits

Regular visits help your vet spot developing issues before they become big problems. Your vet may spot a lump before it becomes a threat to your pet’s life, or they could help you figure out what dietary changes suit your dog’s evolving needs before your pooch becomes constipated.

Things change quickly for senior dogs. They’re more vulnerable to injuries and infections, so staying up to date on routine care, like shots and dental cleanings, helps your dog enjoy life to the fullest. Having a strong relationship with your vet is kind of like insurance against chaos; it can’t stop aging, but it can help prevent life-threatening complications.

Choose the Proper Food

When you’re at the vet, ask about recommended food for your fluffy friend. Just as puppies have different dietary needs compared to adults, seniors have their own special needs. Food for senior dogs often has lower calories, specialized protein, probiotics, and prebiotics.

Remember, restrictions can be as important as additions. Greasy or sugary food becomes harder to digest with age, so it may be time to limit the Pup Cups and table scraps. Check your treats, too. Provide your dog walker with treats and rewards appropriate for your pet’s age.

Try a Heating Pad

A heating pad sometimes helps old joints feel better, especially during harsh winters and cold snaps. It’s a simple comfort that can help an old dog handle aches and pains without excessive medication.

Be sure to get a dog-safe option. Heating pads for humans that plug in and rely on delicate wires probably aren’t safe for a pup who nibbles the bedding and faces an increasing risk of bladder accidents.

Utilize Supplementation When Possible

Supplements can be a great way to round out a senior dog’s diet and compensate for an aging digestive system. Some help with issues like inflamed joints or troubled bowel movements. There’s no single product that will suit every dog, so shop carefully.

Remember, many supplements make big claims with a big price tag. Always talk with your vet to ensure a product is safe and has the potential to do what it claims.

Conclusion

Celebrate your dog’s senior years, and keep them living their life to the fullest. A little extra care and attention can go a long way, and building a support team with your vet and a dog walker in Chicago can help. Just because your pup has racked up some years doesn’t mean they aren’t a puppy at heart.