As dogs grow, they experience physiological and physical changes. This is normal. As a senior dog owner, it is important to monitor your senior dog and give them more attention because they are susceptible to health challenges even though some remain playful and youthful. It is essential to understand the changes that senior dogs experience and learn how to take care of them.
Challenges that Senior Dogs Face
Knowing the challenges that dogs experience in their senior years can help dog owners devise better ways to care for them. Here are a few of the challenges that senior dogs face. Senior Helpers Western Kentucky.
Decreased Mobility
Many senior dogs cannot go for long walks as they did in their younger years. Slowing down is part of the aging process. A senior dog owner needs to take the dog for a vet checkup because the dog could be living with arthritis. While arthritis is common in senior dogs, veterinary care can help dogs increase mobility and maintain good health.
Increased Skin Injury
Senior dogs are susceptible to skin injury because of decreased oil production that keeps the skin healthy and shiny. The decreased oil in the body makes the skin dry and begins to produce dandruff. There may also be hair loss or shedding due to follicular atrophy. This may result in shedding patterns on the dog's skin. Dog owners should provide sun protection to their dogs to prevent skin injury.
Changes in Dog Behavior
Many senior dogs experience behavioral changes. They may appear confused, aggressive, anxious, and disoriented. Some behavioral changes in most senior dogs appear in the evening or at night. If this happens to a senior dog, they may be trying to signal an underlying health problem. These changes can be handled medically by a veterinarian.
How to Take Care of Senior Dogs and Ensure Safety and Comfort
Taking care of a senior dog can improve their safety, comfort, and health status. Here are ways dog owners can care for their dogs and keep them healthy and happy amidst the challenges and changes they encounter in their senior years.
Implement a Healthy Diet
Senior dogs require good care, beginning with a healthy and balanced diet. Dog owners should avoid too many calories at this stage since this can make the dog add more weight and experience inflammation. Excessive calorie intake can decrease the dog's quality of life.
Schedule Vet Visits
It's best for owners to have their dogs examined by a professional vet at least once annually. This is according to American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Vet visits will help determine the health status of the senior dog and implement care measures in time to help the dog maintain good health.
Keep a Close Eye on the Dog's Behaviors
Senior dogs' behaviors change, but since they can't talk, the dog owner should watch out for any changes. This can help the dog owner implement measures to take care of the dog and improve their comfort, health, and safety.
Make the Best Decision for Your Senior Dog
The best way to keep a senior dog active, healthy, safe, and comfortable is by applying the appropriate and recommended measures. It'd be best to seek help if not sure why a senior dog experiences sudden behavior changes. Want to learn more about specialized home care needs in Western Kentucky, Hopkinsville, Paducah, Murray, and Madisonville? We can help. Contact us, Senior Helpers Western Kentucky, for a free consultation.