Some Simple Tips To Ensure Your Senior Dogs Age Healthy And Happy

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Studies indicate, keeping a pet dog adds to your happiness quotient, thereby improving your quality of life. They are faithful, loving, and caring creatures who themselves require a lot of love and care. In fact, the care requirements for senior dogs are a little different from young ones. The first step towards senior pet care is identifying if your dog has grown old. Different breeds of dogs become seniors at different ages.
For example, a Great Dane becomes a senior after 5 - 6 years, while a Golden Retriever is considered a senior by 8 - 10 Years. A healthy lifestyle, regular vet visits, and enough exercise are some of the ways to keep your dog healthy even as their age progresses.Veterinary medicine manufacturers in India provide a variety of medicines and supplements to ensure your dog's health. However, it is best to consult with your dog's vet before opting for it.

Why do senior dogs require extra care?

Aging is a part of life, and like humans, dogs also develop numerous health issues due to it. They may develop health issues such as arthritis, cataract, hearing problems, kidney disease, liver disease, ...
... or obesity, which can cause them to become less mobile and age faster. However, your dog's genetics and his/her lifestyle play a significant role in the aging process.

Here are some simple yet useful tips that can prevent or combat the above mentioned common ailments plaguing dogs due to aging:

A healthy diet takes them a long way
When your dog receives a nutrition-rich balanced diet, it keeps them free from serious ailments even when they are aging. Older dogs have a higher chance of developing obesity due to decreased energy levels. Thus, choosing dog food that avoids weight gain and is appropriate for their age is extremely important. It is best to consult your vet for an age-appropriate diet plan for your senior dog.

Timely vet visits
When caring for your senior dogs, ensure timely vet visits (once in six months) as it is easier to prevent diseases than treat them. As age progresses, your dog's immune system grows weaker, making them vulnerable to an array of ailments. However, getting your dog examined regularly every year ensures the identification and treatment of symptoms that remain hidden at an earlier stage of such diseases.

Learn from your vet how to evaluate and keep track of your dog's body weight. It will help you know if your dog is overweight or underweight according to their age. Also, keep your senior dog vaccinated for safety against fleas, ticks, and worms as they can attack irrespective of the dog's age.

Pet care has become comparatively easy as vets now have access to medicines from some of the top veterinary medicine companies in India. They are thus able to give you valuable suggestions along with prescribing appropriate medications for ensuring your dog's good health.

Exercise your dog
With aging, your dog's energy levels might reduce significantly. Thus, to keep them healthy and mobile, take help from his/her vet and create an exercise program around while keeping in mind their limitations. Smaller dogs have more restrictions than larger ones owing to their size. For example, a walk around the block may be too much for a Chihuahua as compared to a Golden Retriever. Be patient and build your dog's stamina slowly and steadily over some time.

Maintain proper oral health
Proper dental care of your dog from a young age ensures they don't have missing teeth during old age. Brush them regularly or give them dental treats along with taking them for a professional dental cleaning at regular intervals.

Comfortable accommodation & lots of love
If your senior dog is suffering from arthritis or bone and joint problems, he/she might find it difficult to move. Easy access to bed with soft bedding, blankets, and towels will give them a comfortable sleep. If your house has too many stairs, then a doggy ramp will make it easier for them to climb up and down.

Apart from providing your senior dog a comfortable stay, shower them with a lot of love and attention. It will help them calm their anxiousness and ensure better mental health. Also, you will have some beautiful, cherished moments in your treasure trove of memories.