How to Look After a Senior Dog

The first time you realise that your four legged friend is old can be quite an upsetting realisation. Maybe they didn't move when you called them, or perhaps a photograph you took illuminated all those grey hairs and tired eyes? The autumn years for your pooch requires a different level of care, so it's important to learn about the best ways to provide that care.

What breed of dog you own will also determine when they are categorised as 'senior.' Generally, giant breeds have a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds so you can expect them to reach old age sooner. However, your dog's lifestyle - diet, exercise and medical history will also impact on the longevity of your dog.

The best thing to do is to prepare yourself for this transition in both you and your dog's lives and to be on the lookout for changes so you can react quickly.

Signs of old age in dogs

• Senses begin to deteriorate
• Appetite may decrease
• Weight loss - resulting in the shoulders and spine becoming more prominent.
• Energy levels decrease
• Slowing down
• Greying around the face and muzzle
• Thicker skin
• Rougher and thinner coat - potentially with bald patches or white hairs.
• Deafness
• Cloudy or bluish eyes
• Excessive thirst
• 制御不能な排尿
• うつ病
• Disobediance
• Confusion
• 疣贅、脂肪塊、または腫瘍 - これらを獣医に確認してください。
• 筋肉喪失 - 後肢周りは正常ですが、他の場所で発生した場合は、獣医に相談してください。
• Sleeping more during the day, and less so at night.
• Arthritis and stiffness - difficulty playing, going up and down stairs, in and out of cars, trouble sleeping comfortably.


• Best care for senior dogs
  • Make regular trips to the vet and when there always ask for a complete body evaluation.
  • Maintain a regular exercise schedule, but reduce the longevity and intensity of your sessions.
  • Change your dog's diet to one specifically formulated for senior dogs. If your dog has a health condition - consult your vet on ways you can change your dog's diet to suit their health needs.
  • Change your dog's vaccination schedule to every three years.
  • あなたの犬を愛情とたくさんのおもちゃに縛られて、心を刺激して退屈させないようにしてください。
  • 門と扉を設置することで、関節炎犬が階段をしてはならないことを防ぐことができます。
  • 彼らのニーズに合わせて寝具を変える - 痛い関節のためのたくさんの詰め物。
  • あなたが老いた、磨耗した歯に合うように、彼らに与えるお手入れを変更してください。
  • あなたの犬を頻繁に異常をチェックする習慣を身につけましょう。耳、口、歯、歯茎、皮膚、コートを見てください。
  • Maintain your regular flea, worming and tick treatments.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals.
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