9 Care Tips for Your Senior Dog

As dogs get older, they start to slow down just like people do. They might get some gray hairs, feel a bit stiff, and take more naps during the day. Even though they might not show it, older dogs can have health problems.

So, it's up to us to watch out for them. Taking care of our senior dogs means changing their food and how much they exercise. Regular check-ups, giving them medicine to prevent problems, and making changes to their daily routine can help them stay healthy as they get older.

These tips will help you understand how to keep your older dog happy and well for a long time.

When Your Dog is Considered Senior?

Dogs become seniors at different ages, but it's usually between 7 and 10 years old. Bigger dogs tend to become seniors earlier than smaller ones. Reach out to Northgate Animal Hospital in Regina to know when your dog might start needing different care.

Signs of Common Senior Issues

As your dog gets older, you and your vet will start watching out for certain problems that become more common:

-          Arthritis

-          Deafness

-          Kidney disease

-          Cognitive disorders

-          Intestinal problems

-          Prostate disease

-          Dental disease

-          Diabetes mellitus

-          Cancer (especially testicular or breast cancer)

-          Liver disease

-          Vision problems

Schedule Regular Checkups

Regular checkups are important as your dog gets older. According to experts, senior dogs should see the vet at least every six months. These checkups are for three main reasons:

-          To keep an eye on your dog's health and make sure they're living their best life.

-          To catch any sicknesses early on.

-          To spot and manage any possible health risks.

During these checkups, we’ll look at your dog's body for lumps, signs of pain, or arthritis. We’ll also check your dog's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, and listen to their lungs and heart. It's also a good idea to do some tests once a year, like:

-          Urine test

-          Blood test to check liver and kidney function

-          Blood pressure check

-          Heartworm test

-          Poop test

-          Thyroid test

These tests help your vet keep track of your dog's health over time. If your dog has any ongoing health problems or if the tests show something weird, your vet might suggest more tests.

Watch Your Dog’s Weight

Sudden changes in your dog's weight could mean there's something wrong inside. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important for their health. If your dog is overweight, it can make things like arthritis and other diseases more likely.

Adjust Your Dog’s Nutrition

Senior dog foods usually have less fat, but the same amount of protein. Our vets can suggest a good one for your dog. Giving your senior dog smaller meals more often can be easier on their stomach. You might also need to take them outside to for bathroom more often.

Here's when to switch to senior dog food based on your dog's size:

- Small breeds (under 20 pounds): 7 years old

- Medium breeds (21 to 50 pounds): 7 years old

- Large breeds (51 to 90 pounds): 6 years old

- Giant breeds (91 pounds or more): 5 years old

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

As your dog ages, taking good care of them is even more important. Make sure they get regular checkups, keep up with things like flea and tick prevention, take care of their teeth, and keep them up to date on vaccinations.

Make sure your older dog has a cozy spot to relax with easy access to food and water. And don't forget to give them lots of love and attention—it's good for both of you.

Visit Northgate Animal Hospital in Regina for regular checkups and maintain the health of your dog.


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