A medium sized senior dog with black and white fur sits and smiles at the camera.

For a dog, the golden years can be full of relaxation, affection, and delicious new treats, but they’ll need help from their owner to adjust to their new abilities and limitations. A senior dog won’t be able to do all of the same things that they enjoyed in their younger years, but with your help, they can live with the same level of excitement and fulfillment. 

As your dog ages, you should consider making changes to its diet, exercise, and daily routine to keep it comfortable. Your dog may exhibit signs of struggling with its current environment or routine, like avoiding its favorite spots in the house and irregular eating/sleeping habits. 

Below, we have outlined some of the most beneficial aging dog tips to consider in order to ensure you and your dog have a happy, long life together.

When Is a Dog Technically Considered a Senior?

Just like with humans, age is subjective, and not all dogs will look or feel like seniors at the same rate. 

The American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) notes that a dog should be considered a senior when they reach the last 25% of their breed’s average lifespan. 

Generally speaking, larger breeds will reach this stage faster than their smaller counterparts because of the strain that their size and weight can put on physiological aging processes. 

In practice, though, your dog is only as old as their health and personality enable them to act. Some dogs are blessed with extended youthfulness, whereas others will encounter chronic issues at what can seem like a relatively young age. 

You can postpone making lifestyle changes accordingly until your dog shows signs of a need for them, based on their level of energy and need for chronic care.

Making Beneficial Diet Adjustments

As a dog gets older, their diet should be adjusted to accommodate the changes in their body. 

To ensure that senior pups are being fed well-rounded meals, owners should think about: 

  • Monitoring hydration: Senior dogs are prone to dehydration, so it is critical that a caregiver monitors their water consumption throughout the day. An older dog may forget to make stops for water periodically, so this can lead to instances of becoming dehydrated then suddenly overdrinking.
  • Fiber and protein ratios: An increased fiber intake will benefit senior dogs by aiding in healthy digestion and weight management. As they age, dogs are more likely to experience digestive issues, like constipation or diarrhea, so focusing on feeding a fiber-rich diet can help prevent these common issues. Meals that are high in protein will give senior pups the energy they need to sustain their daily activities and promote lean musculature. 
  • A lower calorie intake: Because a dog’s metabolism will slow down as they age, a low-calorie meal can be just as filling. Senior dogs also have lower physical activity requirements because they expel less energy throughout the day, so they won’t need the same calorie intake as a young adult dog. Excess calories are stored as fat, which will result in complications like obesity, joint problems, and cardiovascular concerns. 
  • Watching sodium and fat consumption: As previously mentioned, older dogs will be less physically engaged during the day, so excessive fat in their meals won’t be burned off during vigorous play periods. High sodium levels can similarly be dangerous for older dogs, potentially contributing to kidney disease and hypertension. 

Commonly Recommended Supplements for Older Dogs

To support well-rounded nutrition, many senior pup parents add supplemental vitamins to their dog’s diet. It is important to consult with a vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. Some of the most helpful vitamins to consider include: 

  • Glucosamine: This vitamin is coveted for its mobility benefits. Joint support is a common concern for owners of older pups because of painful ailments like arthritis and degeneration, which can severely hinder a dog’s quality of life. Glucosamine forms the building blocks of cartilage — the cushions between the bone and joint — that the spine and limbs rely on, so this supplement can prevent painful symptoms of aging.   
  • B vitamins: A deficiency in B vitamins can lead to significant medical concerns like inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis. B vitamin supplements can provide an array of benefits and projections, especially in older pups, like immune and energy support.  
  • Omega-3s: Important for dogs of any age, Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory and brain-boosting effects. The fatty acids are not only good for inflammation, but can also boost overall mobility and joint function, too. Owners may notice a shinier and healthier-looking coat in dogs with dry skin, as well, thanks to the nourishing qualities of this supplement. 
  • Vitamin C: Senior dogs require the most vitamin C in their diet because with age the immune system weakens. Dogs will naturally produce vitamin C, but production slows with age, and more antioxidants become necessary to protect the immune system.  
  • Probiotics: Not only can probiotics promote optimal function in the digestive system, but they can also help reduce anxiety and allergies. The digestive tract becomes more sensitive with age, but it is still responsible for critical functions like immunity protection. The gut’s healthy microbiome promotes resilience against infection, and a daily probiotic can preserve a balance of beneficial bacteria in the stomach. 

The Importance of Incorporating Mobility Exercises

Staying active is an essential part of creating a healthy, balanced routine for senior dog care. Incorporating physical activity like mobility-focused exercises can keep your canine friend agile as they settle into their golden years and can promote a variety of benefits, including: 

  • Reduce the risk of obesity: Keeping an older pup active is essential to prevent obesity and the medical concerns associated with excess weight. Mobility exercises are a productive way to burn calories without being too tough on a dog’s aging joints. Staying active can also regulate a dog’s appetite, so dogs with irregular eating habits may benefit from adding mobility exercises to their daily routine.  
  • Mitigate joint pain: Joints become stiff with age as cartilage degenerates and lubrication decreases, but simple mobility exercises can improve the range of motion and flexibility of the joints. These stretches can even improve the production of synovial (joint) fluid and reduce inflammation when practiced consistently. 
  • Support mobility: With age, exercise becomes more difficult and more important. Dogs will instinctively move around less as they get older, but encouraging gentle activity like mobility-centered stretching can help them maintain a healthy physical condition and keep them feeling young.  
  • Training stability and balance: Repeated practice with specific mobility exercises will build muscle memory which can help your dog feel comfortable with potentially challenging movements as they age. These exercises can train the core, improve coordination, and harness joint strength. 

Mental Stimulation Is Critical 

Keep your senior pup feeling young by keeping their brain engaged. Prioritizing mental stimulation can be impactful in maintaining a dog’s spirit as they age.

Brain games and other mental exercises can provide an array of benefits, including: 

  • Anxiety reduction: Think back to the first time your dog heard a firework or rode in a car; facing something they have little to no experience with can make dogs skittish and anxious. Anxiety will affect a canine’s behaviors and personality just like in humans. Daily mental stimulation and socialization is essential for preserving cognitive ability and preventing anxiety in older dogs. 
  • Cognitive dysfunction delay: It is especially important for older dogs to exercise their brains. Cognitive decline can be one of the most dangerous signs of aging for dogs, as it can lead to unpredictable behaviors like a lack of awareness. This can cause injuries and other potential emergencies. 
  • Preventative measures for canine depression: Canine depression is an underrepresented condition that affects many pups worldwide. A U.K. canine charity, Guide Dog, reports that 74% of dogs portray signs of poor mental health, and nearly 1/5th of all dogs experience these symptoms weekly.  

Making the Home Comfortable for Older Pups

Caring for older dogs means making changes around the home for their comfort. Your dog may avoid some of their normal behaviors and act more lethargic when they feel overwhelmed by their environment, but certain changes can aid them in adjusting to their new normal.   

When you are making adjustments around the home for your senior pup, consider the following details to keep them as comfortable as possible: 

  • Cover hardwood floors
  • Switch to elevated dog bowls
  • Install gates to block off dangerous areas
  • Provide a night light
  • Watch the temperature
  • Invest in an orthopedic dog bed

Don’t Forget Regular Vet Visits!

Certain medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and kidney disease become more of a concern as dogs age, so more frequent vet visits are recommended for early detection. The earlier most conditions are caught, the more a vet can do. 

An owner should take their adult dog to visit the vet once a year, but when a dog reaches their senior years, a trip every six months is recommended. Older dogs are more likely to show sudden changes in their behaviors and personality, so more consistent visits will give your vet a chance to understand their personality. 

Greenlin in Camp Hill Can Provide Special Accommodations for Senior Pups With Most Offered Services 

Greenlin in Camp Hill offers a variety of dog training, dog daycare, and overnight dog boarding services, all of which can be tailored to accommodate a senior pup’s needs. Calmer activities, more potty breaks, and orthopedic bedding are some of the standard arrangements made for older dogs.

Our loving care specialists will also ask about other special requests that can keep your dog as comfortable as possible while you’re away. To learn more about how Greenlin in Camp Hill hosts senior pups, call our facility at (717) 737-2223, contact us online, or stop by for an in-person tour! 

Posted in Pet Health Category