We all know that our senior dogs will eventually get older. That is why you should be ready with tips and tricks to help them as they start to struggle in their later years. The following five things will change as senior dogs get older:
- Decreased mobility
- An increased need to go outside
- Changes in routine behavior
- Increased likelihood of injury
- Food intake challenges
- Dental health issues.
HOW TO HELP YOUR SENIOR DOG COPE WITH ITS NEW CHALLENGES
Most dog enthusiast seniors we serve in St. Louis, Ballwin, Fenton, or Arnold, MO, love the pups because they are active family members. But age affects activity levels, behavior, and mobility, so you must be ready to help them when they age.
1. DECREASED MOBILITY
The American Kennel Club notes that mobility will reduce as a senior dog continues to age. Since your pup was a puppy, they have been waking you up with their demands for breakfast, going on walks and adventures, and cuddling on the couch in the evenings. Now they are older, and it may require a little more effort to keep them active. You can use playtime games to increase your pup's activity levels, such as fetch or tug-of-war.
2. AN INCREASED NEED TO GO OUTSIDE
As you and your dog age, the value of exercise and fresh air will increase. You should ensure that your senior dog gets regular trips to grass or a pet-friendly park in St. Louis, Ballwin, Fenton, or Arnold, MO. If you do not want to take them out, find another dog activity for them to participate in, like obedience training, agility classes, or an online dog-sitting service. If your pup is too old for agility training, consider hiring a dog walker who can regularly visit for that too!
3. CHANGES IN ROUTINE BEHAVIOR
As your senior pup ages, you should expect a few changes in its routine behavior. These changes should not be ignored, as they may signify declining health. For example, the dog may sleep longer in the mornings, act more anxious while waiting for its next meal, or show signs of hunger when they finish eating. These changes should be reported to your vet, especially if they become severe or more frequent.
4. INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY
When your senior dog was a puppy, it had a high chance of getting into trouble and hurting itself. Now that your pup is older, you should be extra wary of its movement ability. If your senior dog tries to jump on the couch or bed and misses, it could fall onto the floor. If they attempt to run across the yard and lose their footing, they could get injured while trying to walk around.
These injuries will be more severe than when they were puppies, so stay alert to any signs of trouble.
5. FOOD INTAKES CHALLENGES
Your senior dog may lose some of its teeth because of age, making food intake a challenge. If this happens, offering an extra serving is a good idea. You may also consider wet food for dogs daily instead of relying on the usual ration.
This will allow your senior dog to get the additional calories they need and will not affect their appetite. You can also feed them canned food at least twice a week if you want to help them maintain their weight. If you are concerned about your senior dog's weight, consult your vet to determine the best diet for their individual needs.
CONTACT US FOR HELP
At Senior Helpers St. Louis, we are passionate and happy to serve our senior citizens from St. Louis, Ballwin, Fenton, or Arnold, MO, and prepare them for any challenges that might come their way as they grow older. Contact us today for any form of help.