How to give a senior dog its best life?

Caring for an older dog means being on the lookout for behaviours that signal problems and being prepared to adapt to support them. Being ready for their later years makes it easier to give them the high quality of life that they deserve. Feeding your dog smaller meals two or three times a day can support a healthy weight. On walks, let your dog set the pace. Try to go for frequent short walks instead of one long one. Your dog may not want to go on big hikes as they get older but will still need exercise to stay fit. To help your dog stay mentally active, try to provide new and interesting elements to their routine. Make plenty of time for brain games, enrichment and interaction with them. Twice-yearly veterinary check-ups are essential for an ageing dog. Daily grooming is good for their coat and a great opportunity to check them for any new lumps or bumps that may indicate a health problem.

To give a senior dog its best life, keep them at a healthy weight, as obesity is the scourge of not only the American population but our pets as well, with more than 50% of dogs being overweight in the U.S. According to a Purina Lifespan Study, you can pretty much plan on an overweight pet living 2 years less than they would otherwise. Taking your pup to the vet for regular check-ups, especially as they age and become more prone to certain diseases, can help identify health problems before they become serious. Maintaining joint health is also crucial, as dogs' joints tend to get stiffer and more painful as they age, and keeping your dog at a healthy weight will help, as added weight only adds more strain to already sore joints. A good theory to keep in mind when approaching exercise for your elderly dog’s body and mind is: “If they don’t use it, they lose it.” Staying physically active is crucial for older pups to maintain muscle mass and keep their hearts pumping well. Providing mental stimulation is equally as important, and activities that challenge your older dog’s mind will help them stay sharp. Nutrition is especially important for older dogs to help them fight disease and increase their lifespan, and feeding a high-quality diet can make a big difference.

Adapting your senior dog’s home environment and routine is important to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Jamie recommends implementing these 6 changes and lifehacks to help make life easier for them. Avoid any impactful exercise such as jumping and ball catching. Add non-slip rugs to laminate/tiled floors to prevent slips. Raise food and water bowls off the floor. Add ramps to steps or flooring height changes where your dog may struggle. Get good quality, supportive bedding – try memory foam. Exercising regularly can help to keep their joints moving and give their minds regular mental stimulation, however, it’s important the exercise is little and often so that they are not doing too much that could cause harm to their joints. Using ramps is a great way of still enabling your pet to do these activities but without the stress on their joints that can cause discomfort. Discussing your pet’s needs with one of the vets or nurses at our Basingstoke practice can help you identify more of these simple changes that can make a big difference.