Caring for Elderly Dogs: Tips & Tricks for the Golden Years

If you’re not the proud owner of an elderly dog, you will be in a few years when that rascally canine of
yours starts to get a little older. And while caring for an older dog might seem self-explanatory, there
are some special things to consider as you prepare for this stage in your dog’s life. Whether you’re in the
midst of enjoying your elderly dog’s company or you’re curious about how things might change as your
dog ages, it’s important to be aware of some simple ways to care for an older dog. Don’t worry – the two
of you still have plenty of time to enjoy one another’s company – these are just some things you can do
to help your older dog get the most out of his or her “retirement” years.

Know Your Dog’s Age
How old is “elderly”? For most dogs, it’s 8 years old; however, larger breeds can age more quickly. If
Fido’s a big boy, he could be considered elderly between the ages of 5 and 7. And if you’re not sure how
old your dog is, consult your veterinarian so you can be confident about giving your four-legged friend
the right care.

Adjust Meals
Diet is increasingly important as a dog ages. For an elderly pet, it’s easy to start leaning toward being
either underweight or overweight, so be sure to watch for signs of these changes. For a dog that’s
gaining too much weight, simply reduce the amount of food you’re putting out. To entice a skinny
dog that hasn’t been eating well, try dividing meals into four different portions throughout the day.
Heat up the food and leave it out for fifteen minutes, then put it away. The freshness, temperature,
and frequency of meals should help your dog develop a healthier appetite. As always, consult your
veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.

Minimize Stress
Older dogs might not make it outside in time for a “bathroom break” – but the stress of being yelled at
will only make things worse. Try to keep your dog’s environment as quiet as possible with as few drastic
changes as possible, which will keep your old companion’s stress levels down.

Monitor Movement and Overall Health
No matter what, keep visiting the vet regularly and make a special trip any time you notice a change
in your dog’s demeanor, physical health, or even attitude. Watch for slower movement, which may
indicate arthritis or simple joint pain associated with old age – your vet can prescribe something to
help. It’s also good to watch for coughing, shortness of breath, dry skin, and discolored gums, as your
dog may have heart disease, a skin disorder, or gum disease. If your dog is having trouble getting to
the “bathroom”, this is also a reason to consult your vet because incontinence can usually be treated.

Encourage Exercise
Your old friend might not be as energetic as he or she once was, but it’s important to keep your dog
healthy by encouraging consistent exercise. Even if you just go for a short, slow walk every day, this can
help keep your dog’s joints mobile and minimize arthritis pain. Try playing with some old favorite toys
or introduce new ones to pique your dog’s interest. Anything you can do to keep your dog moving is
helpful.

Maintain Consistent Petting and Brushing
Keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy by petting and brushing your canine’s coat regularly. You might also
try gently massaging your dog’s muscles as you pet him or her, as this can increase blood flow to the skin
and flush away toxins. It can reduce stiffness and help your pet feel younger again, which will keep both
of you happy.

Maria

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, writing on online degrees and playing with the newly revealed degree value calculator. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.