How to help older dogs stay healthy?

To help older dogs stay healthy, it is important to adapt our routines to make our pets’ lives more comfortable as they age. You may need to adapt your exercise routine to fit with what your dog needs and can handle. Look at taking shorter but more frequent walks throughout the day instead of a single long walk. Ensure you give your dog plenty of breaks during the walk so they can rest if needed. It is always recommended to keep your dog at their healthy weight. As they age it is especially important to ensure they stay in good body condition and don’t become overweight, as this can contribute to several health concerns. Mental stimulation is particularly important for senior dogs as their physical abilities may be reduced. We can add low impact activities like search games, food enrichment and trick training, as these behaviours don’t put extra strain on the joints. A great way to help your dog continue to exercise without putting excess strain on their ageing joints is hydrotherapy. You can also speak to your vet for advice on the best exercise routine for your dog as they get older.

To help older dogs stay healthy, keep an eye on your dog’s weight, as senior dogs move slower and use up less energy, making it easy for the pounds to pile on. Obesity is a hazard for dogs of all ages, but it’s particularly harmful for senior dogs – largely because once the weight’s put on, it’s very hard to lose. You should talk to your vet about developing an exercise and diet plan that takes your dog’s changing needs into consideration. Regular exercise is as important as ever, because obesity is a particularly serious issue for senior dogs. Talk to your vet about exercise, they’ll be aware of your dog’s entire medical history, so will be able to recommend an exercise routine that takes into consideration any underlying issues. Your vet will also be able to advise you on the correct diet for your mature dog. Give them a lovely thick, soft, padded bed of their own, a place where they can get some well-earned rest for their aching joints at the end of a long day. Place a bowl of clean water near their bed to save them from having to make taxing journeys up and downstairs when they need a drink. The older dogs get, the more they come to depend on a consistent daily routine, so try to do things such as feeding, walking, rising, and sleeping, at roughly the same time every day.