Caring for senior dogs

Recognising signs of ageing in dogs

Your first step when caring for an older dog is recognising signs of ageing, which might include your dog sleeping more often or for longer than usual, moving slowly, or not responding to commands. Your dog might also display physical symptoms like cloudy eyes, joint stiffness, and fluctuating weight, which are all common for dogs starting to move into their later years.

As well as physical changes, there may also be behavioural signs like anxiety, confusion, and irritability. These can all be symptomatic of wider cognitive decline in older dogs and are early signs for you to start looking into solutions for senior dog care.

Creating a suitable home environment

Creating a suitable home environment for your ageing dog is crucial to help them feel comfortable and improve their quality of life. Relatively small changes to your home can make a big difference to your furry friend, especially as their mobility decreases.

Orthopaedic beds are designed to support your dog’s skeletal system, evenly distributing their weight and cushioning their joints. This is especially important as their joints stiffen up, walks become more strenuous, and they sleep for longer.

Raising food and water bowls reduces the pressure on your dog’s neck when they’re eating, while pet stairs or ramps reduce the need to jump and make the home more accessible for senior dogs.

For anxious dogs, calming aids like YuMOVE Calming Care for Dogs or Pet Remedy Calming Spray can help manage their symptoms.

Senior dog nutrition

Nutrition is key to pet health at any age, but senior dogs particularly benefit from high-protein diets to maintain muscle and omega-3 fatty acids for joints and cognitive health, while antioxidants can support immunity.

Your vet might also recommend specific supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine, while increased fibre can help with nutrition. There are many senior-specific dog foods available that are specially formulated to address the issues that ageing dogs face.

Managing mobility issues and joint pain

Many senior dogs suffer from mobility issues caused by stiffening joints, arthritis, and natural deterioration, which may affect their interest in going for walks or their speed getting around the home and up and down stairs.

As well as the changes to the home recommended above, the Pharmacy2U range of pet health joint care can help to support and manage the stiffness and joint pain that older dogs suffer from.

While exercise remains important, walks and games should be tailored to your dog’s age and condition, with shorter, flatter walks preferred to more strenuous, lengthy routes.

Stimulating and engaging senior dogs

In addition to physical symptoms, ageing can also take its toll on your dog’s mind. Cognitive decline or dog dementia can make dogs disorientated or seem not quite themselves. It can also impact sleep patterns.

Ensuring you’re keeping your senior dog stimulated and engaged is really important. Simple games, training sessions, and puzzle toys can all help keep them engaged. Teaching them simple new tricks or hiding treats for them to find can give them a sense of mental fulfilment.

These approaches may also be combined with cognitive supplements for your dog.

Routine veterinary care

Regular visits to the vet become even more important during dogs’ later years. Consistent check-ups may help to diagnose health problems early to give you the chance to manage them before they become too severe.

Regular check-ups can include dental inspection, as dog dental disease becomes more commonplace in later life, as well as blood and organ assessments. Your vet may also check for signs of pain and inflammation.

Vets may recommend changes to diet or supplements, as well as prescribe treatment. Always consult with a medical professional before making significant changes to your dog’s diet or introducing new treatments or supplements.

Common senior dog health concerns

Awareness is the first step towards prevention and giving your dog the later life experience they deserve. These are some common conditions that may affect older dogs, with information about symptoms to look out for: 

• Arthritis: This is a progressive condition that causes pain and limits mobility. Warm beds, gentle exercise, and supplements may help dogs. 

• Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: Also known as dog dementia, symptoms can include pacing, seeming confused, or restlessness at night. Mental stimulation and supplements may help to manage it. 

• Kidney and liver problems: Signs like weight loss and excessive thirst can develop over time. Ways to manage include prescription diets, supplements, and regular vet visits for monitoring. 

• Dental disease: This can cause infections and tooth loss. Dental chews, regular brushing, and vet cleanings can help to manage dental disease. 

• Heart disease: Symptoms include fatigue, coughing, and breathing issues. Consultation with your vet is crucial here. 

• Weight gain: Weight can gradually increase to the point of obesity due to a reduction in mobility and activity, which makes further health problems like joint issues common. Consider senior dog food and make sure your dog is eating the recommended amount for their size and breed. 

• Cancer: Cancer risk for dogs increases with age, so be on the lookout for new lumps, behavioural changes, or unexpected weight loss. Report any concerns to your vet as early as possible. 

Owner awareness and vigilance, combined with regular vet check-ups, are the keys to detecting issues early and giving your furry friend the best quality of life you can.

Conclusion

As with humans, ageing in dogs presents its challenge. However, looking after your best friend is a privilege and, with the right ageing awareness, support, and adaptations, you can help them live their later years in comfort and happiness.  

From creating a home environment tailored to their needs and adjusting their diet according to your vet’s advice to booking in regular check-ups and remaining vigilant when checking for symptoms, there is plenty you can do to give you senior dog the best life possible. 

Browse our selection of senior pet products to help your furry friend stay happy, healthy, and comfortable in later life.