Their muzzles start to gray and their gentle eyes get cloudy. They’re sometimes a bit grouchy, sometimes a bit lumpy and sometimes wheezy, but nonetheless loved always. As dogs reach their golden years, so to comes changes to their bodies, energy levels and overall needs.
This past June, Samson turned 11 and officially became a senior. As a 10lb chihuahua, his senior years come later than many of the larger breeds. However, about a year ago we discovered he has an enlarged heart due to mitral valve disease and is in the very early stages of congestive heart failure. Of course we want to give him the best chance to thrive and to stave off the effects of his condition as long as possible. For dogs entering their elderly years, whether they have medical conditions, or not – here are some things you can do to help slow down the hands of Father Time.
Balanced Nutrition:
To maintain your dogs health (at any age) it’s crucial to provide them the proper nutrition, but it’s even more important as they get older. Senior dogs often needs diet that are tailored to their specific needs, such as lower calorie foods to prevent weight gain and higher protein intake to help maintain muscle mass.
Supplements can be an important addition to meals – such as green lipped muscles, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Vegetables and berries are also key sources of vitamins, minerals. We always prefer using natural when possible – freeze-dried powders (such as our Cranberry Boost) are a great way to get your get your dog important nutrients.
Freeze-dried treats are a great treat for dogs of any age and make the ideal treat option for senior dogs for a few reasons:
1. Digestibility – Freeze-drying is a process that doesn’t affect the enzymes in foods and when made with minimal ingredients, freeze-dried treats are very gentle on the stomach and easy to absorb.
2. Easy to Chew – Our senior dogs often have worn-down teeth, gum disease, or missing teeth that can make chewing harder. Most freeze-dried treats are naturally softer than baked, or dehydrated treats, making them easier to chew without discomfort. They can also be easily hydrated with a bit of water making the chewing process even easier.
3. Nutrient Rich – Freeze-dried treats retain virtually all of their original nutrients as the gentle process doesn’t use high heats that destroy vitamins and minerals. As senior dogs need nutrient rich foods to support their aging bodies – freeze-dried treats are a tasty way to get your dog high quality nutrition in every bite.
Vet Visits:
Regular check-ups with your vet is important. As dogs age, they do become more prone to health issues. Regular visits to the vet can catch problems early – allowing for better management and treatment. Consultation with your vet on diet and exercise can help you to make better decisions for your dogs health.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation:
While senior dogs may not have the energy they once did, it is still important to provide regular, gentle exercise. Short and slow daily walks can help keep your dogs joints mobile and prevent stiffness. Swimming is a low-impact activity that some dogs can enjoy. But, be sure to not overdue it and be aware that your dog is more susceptible to heat and cold, so it’s best to avoid strenuous activities during weather extremes.
Mental stimulation is important to keep their minds sharp and engaged. Puzzle toys, scent games and simple things like having your dog perform tricks can be a fun way to challenge their brains. There is an old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Not only can they learn new tricks in their later years, but it helps to prevent cognitive decline and keeps them mentally active.
Comfortable Living Spaces:
There are things you can do around your house to make it easier for your seniors pets. Orthopaedic dog beds can provide support for achy joints, ramps can be beneficial if your dog struggles to get onto furniture, or into the car. Always make sure they have easy access to food, water and their favourite nap spots. Non-slip mats on slippery floors will help an aging dog get around the house easier.
Health & Maintenance:
Dogs can’t tell us that they don’t feel good and they are adept at hiding any pains. So it is essential to be observant for any changes to behaviour, appetite, or energy. Changes can indicate underlying health problems. Early detection and treatment can help manage many age-related conditions.
Dental health is often overlooked, but is incredibly important. Dental disease can lead to infections that can affect other parts of the body – including the heart. Proper diet, chews and brushing can keep their teeth and gums healthy. Soft, freeze-dried treats can also be a great option for dogs with dental issues.
Love and Patience:
Dogs are social creatures and they thrive on love and affection. As they get older and slow down, they become more dependent on you for comfort and reassurance. Spending quality time with your dog, offering gentle pets, massages and cuddles make a big difference to their over-all being (and to yours). Be patient as they navigate the changes from aging and adjust your expectations to match their slower pace. Your love and attention is one of the most important things to them in their precious golden years.
Final Thoughts:
Unfortunately, aging is a natural part of life – and for dogs this comes much sooner then for us. There are no guarantees in life, but by providing the proper dietary, physical and emotional support, you can give your senior dog the best chance to thrive in their later years.
Whether your senior is beginning to slow down, or already experiencing the challenges of getting old – it’s not too late to make changes to give them the best quality of life in their final years. And don’t forget to treat them to something special – whether it's a Sunday drive, or a healthy freeze-dried treat.
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