Aging with Grace: Essential Care Tips for Older Dogs

As our best friends age, we must elevate their needs and make the necessary adjustments. Senior dogs, much like aging humans, face a range of physical and cognitive changes that can affect their everyday lives. As their pet parents, it is our responsibility to ensure they remain healthy, comfortable, and happy. This blog will explore essential care tips, from nutrition to providing them with extra support when needed.

Nutritional Needs

As dogs age, it is important to ensure they are being fed a high quality diet and getting their nutritional requirements met. Senior dogs may also require fewer calories due to reduced activity levels and slower metabolism. This is very dog dependent so you will have to assess your dog’s individual needs and activity level. It's advisable to consult a veterinarian or a certified pet nutritionist to make any necessary adjustments to their diet as they age.

What to Look for in a Senior Dog’s Diet

When choosing a diet for your senior pup, consider these key factors: 

1. High-Quality Protein: Ensure the food you are feeding contains an appropriate amount of protein and is free of antibiotics and hormones. High-quality protein is essential for muscle maintenance.
2. High Fiber: You'll want to make sure the food you are feeding contains an adequate amount of fiber. Fiber aids in digestion and helps manage weight. 
3. Essential Fatty Acids: The food should also have an appropriate amount of essential fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin, coat, and cognitive health. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them essential for older dogs.
4. Palatability: Sometimes dogs become picky as they age, so you'll want to make sure the food you are feeding is something that they enjoy.

Supplements to Consider 

1. Joint Health: Consider incorporating a joint supplement into your senior’s diet. You’ll want to look for something that is high in glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen. 

Try: Fido’s Mobility Bone Broth

Fido’s Mobility Bone Broth is made from grass fed beef bones and naturally contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen. This broth also includes marshmallow root, solomon’s seal root, alfalfa, rose hips, and ginger root. Together these ingredients support connective tissue, lubricate joints, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support bones. Dogs love bone broth and it’s a great way to provide them with extra hydration.

2. Digestive Aids: Probiotics and digestive enzymes can be beneficial for seniors to help maintain a healthy digestive system. They can also help reduce the risk of digestive upset.

Try: Raw Goat’s Milk  

Raw goat's milk is a natural way to provide your dog with probiotics and digestive enzymes, which will help promote healthy gut flora. As an added bonus, raw goat’s milk is rich in calcium which is important for bone health. Raw goat’s milk can easily be added to your dog’s usual meals.

3. Antioxidants: Antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress and help boost the immune system. 

Try: Berries 

Consider incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and raspberries into your senior dog's diet. Berries are not only known for their anti-inflammatory properties, but they can also enhance cognitive functions and memory in aging dogs. These can be given as treats throughout the day or mixed into their meals, providing a healthy and tasty supplement to their regular diet.

4. Omega Fatty Acids: Additional omega-3s can significantly enhance your senior dog’s diet by supporting their immune system, joints, skin, kidneys, cognitive functions, and heart health.

Try: Sardines

Including sardines in your dog's diet is an excellent way to boost their intake of omega fatty acids. Opt for fresh sardines or canned sardines packed in water without added salt to ensure your dog gets the health benefits without unnecessary additives.

Exercise Requirements

Senior dogs may be less active but still require regular exercise to maintain their health. It's important to tailor their activities to suit their energy levels and physical capabilities. Gentle exercises like walking and swimming are ideal, as they are low-impact yet effective at maintaining muscle tone and joint health. These activities help keep senior dogs fit without causing discomfort or pain.

Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for monitoring and maintaining the health of senior dogs. It is recommended that senior dogs visit their veterinarian at least twice a year for comprehensive examinations. These regular visits help in early detection and management of potential health issues that commonly affect older dogs.

Mental Health & Enrichment 

Mental health is just as important as physical exercise for dogs, especially as they age. Consider some of the following options. 

1. Puzzles: Challenge your dog's problem-solving skills with various puzzle toys. Hide treats in compartments and let them figure out how to retrieve them.
2. Lick Mats: Lick mats are soothing and entertaining. Pro tip: Freeze their favorite broth, like Fido’s Mobility Bone Broth, to make the challenge last longer.
3. New Tricks: Contrary to popular belief, you can teach an old dog new tricks. New tricks can stimulate their brain and enhance their learning capabilities. 
4. Snuffle Mats: Snuffle mats are a great way to encourage natural foraging skills while providing mental stimulation as they sniff for their favorite treats. 

Comfort & Mobility 

Ensure your dog’s environment supports their individual needs. This may look different for different dogs. Orthopedic beds, ramps, and non-slip floors can all be beneficial tools for older dogs. Each dog’s needs will vary, so it is best to tailor these solutions to enhance your dog’s comfort and mobility as they age. 

Stay in Tune with Your Dog

One of the most important things you can do for your senior dog is to stay in tune with their needs. It's crucial to be observant and responsive to any changes in their behavior or mobility. If you notice anything unusual, it's always best to have them checked out by a veterinarian. Remember, you are your dog's advocate, and being proactive about their health can make a significant difference in their quality of life.

Caring for our aging pups is a way to show love and gratitude for their never ending love and loyalty. By adapting their diet, incorporating gentle exercise, and staying vigilant about their health and comfort, we can significantly enhance their quality of life in their senior years. Remember, each dog is unique, and their needs will change as they age, so continual observation and adaptation are key. Remember, a well-pampered senior pup gives the best snuggles!

When is my dog considered a senior? 

The age at which a dog is considered can vary widely depending on breed and size. In general, dogs are considered senior when they reach about 7 years of age. Of course, they will always be puppies in our eyes! 

How often should a senior dog visit the vet?

Senior dogs should have a veterinary check-up at least twice a year to monitor and manage any health issues.

What are common health issues in older dogs?

Common issues include arthritis, vision loss, and kidney problems.

How can I adapt my home to better suit my aging dog?

To make your home more comfortable for an aging dog, consider adding ramps, non-slip mats, orthopedic dog beds, and possibly a full-body harness to assist with mobility when needed.