Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy and Healthy is Easier Than You May Think

As humans age, we make inevitable lifestyle changes to help keep our bodies healthy and strong for as long as possible. That might mean changes to our diets, more regular exercise, or supplements to support our health. Similarly, keeping your aging dog healthy might also require making some important lifestyle adjustments.

But don’t worry, most of these changes are easier than you think and could add years to the time you have with your cherished canine companions.

Schedule More Frequent Visits to Your Veterinary Wellness Clinic

Most veterinarians recommend annual visits to your veterinary wellness clinic in Vancouver for young pups and middle-aged dogs. But once your pooch has passed their seventh year and entered seniority, it may be a good idea to bump those visits up to twice a year. Older dogs are more susceptible to a variety of conditions; that’s just a normal part of aging. These head-to-paw examinations enable your vet to detect and provide treatment options for any abnormalities early on, before they become more severe issues.

Modify Their Diet to Keep Them Fit

Senior dogs require up to 30% fewer calories than their younger comrades, simply because they are no longer as active as they once were, and their caloric requirements are therefore lower. Obesity is a huge problem for aging dogs and one of the most significant contributing factors to chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. If you are unsure about how much you should be feeding your senior dog, consult with your veterinary wellness clinic in Vancouver.

Choose Nutritionally Appropriate Food

You may remember, way back when, purchasing puppy-specific food before transitioning to adult food. That’s because puppies have different nutritional needs, and now that your dog is a senior, their needs have changed again. Older dogs require more fibre and fewer calories than they once did. You may also find that your elder pup prefers to eat a few small meals throughout the day instead of one larger meal.

Make Sure They Get Regular Exercise

While your dog may be perfectly happy to sleep away the day on their favourite chair, physical fitness is just as crucial for a senior dog as it is for a young pup. Exercise keeps your dog’s muscles active, heart strong, and brain-healthy; just make sure to keep activity within their current ability and stamina level. If your senior citizen struggles to keep up over a 5k run, consider shorter, more regular walks instead.

Address Concerns Quickly

We often take a wait-and-see approach with certain dog-related illnesses. Younger pups have more robust systems and better reserves than older dogs; if they are experiencing mild symptoms, like avoiding food, vomiting, or diarrhea, waiting 24 hours before bringing them into your veterinary wellness clinic is generally appropriate. But with senior dogs, ignoring any of these symptoms or other abnormal behaviour could have dire consequences. With elderly dogs, it is always best to err on the side of caution and bring them into a veterinary clinic at the first sign that something may be off.

Consider Alternative Treatments and Supplements

If your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort, it could be preventing them from being as active as they are capable of being and reducing their quality of life. Working with your veterinary wellness clinic to develop a treatment plan will enable your beloved pet to keep on living their best life. Therapies may include acupuncture, massage, or water therapy, combined with supplements or medication if required.

With the support of your veterinary wellness clinic, you and your canine companion can enjoy their golden years and continue making cherished memories.