As our four-legged friends get older, their joints will start to creak and just like their owners, they will often need more care and attention. The latest figures from RSPCA say that on average dogs live for around 12 years, with the level of care they need increasing as they age. In this blog, we share Axel’s five top tips for anyone caring for a senior dog.
1. Comfortable Environment
Comfort is king! We all love our home comforts, and this is also true of our canine companions. Creating a comfortable space for your pet is super-important as they get older. Here are just a few ways to accommodate your old pal as they enter their golden years:
- Accessible Bowls: Ensure your pet can easily access their food and water bowls. Elevated dishes can be more comfortable, particularly if your dog has mobility issues.
- Orthopaedic Beds: Consider investing in an orthopaedic bed for extra support. These specially designed beds provide extra cushioning and can help to alleviate aches and pains.
- Non-Slip Flooring: Older dogs may also struggle with slippery floors, so consider placing rugs or non-slip mats in areas where they walk.
- Easy Toilet Access – Older dogs may need to go to the toilet more frequently, so having a quick and easy escape route to the garden would be good.
- Quiet Spaces: Create a quiet retreat where your doggo can rest without being disturbed. Older dogs can become more noise-sensitive, so avoid loud noises which may startle them.
- Temperature Control: Senior dogs are more sensitive to temperature changes, so ensure you keep the home at a comfortable temperature, especially during extreme weather.
2. Diet & Supplementation
There are lots of pet food brands developed specifically for older pets, however we know that our four-legged friends can often be picky when it comes to food, so changing is sometimes not easy. Similarly, getting them to swallow supplements in tablet form can also be a challenge, regardless of how much ham or cheese you try to hide them in.
Instead, why not consider supplementing their regular food with bone broth. Bone broth is packed with collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin, which are all essential for maintaining healthy joint movement. Adding bone broth to their diet is an easy and simple way of helping to maintain your dog’s flexibility and mobility from their early days as a puppy through to their senior years. Our bone broth Happy Bones can be melted and poured over food, added straight to the bowl or served as a lollipop treat. It can also be particularly beneficial for older dogs who may experience a loss of teeth, or difficulty eating.
Bone broth is also great for digestive health and helps support the immune system, giving senior pets that extra support against illness as they get older. This nutrient-rich supplement can really make a real difference to your pet’s quality of life keeping them feeling healthy from the inside out.
3. Weight Management
As our dogs get older, they will often become less active, meaning that we need to keep a close eye on their weight. A report from PDSA report found that only 56% of pet owners know their pet’s ideal weight, which is worrying as excess weight puts additional strain on our dog’s joints and increases the risk of adverse health conditions developing. Here are some top tips when it comes to managing your pet’s weight:
- Know Your Pet’s Ideal Weight: There are lots of online sources that you can check-out, however the most reliable source is often going to be your vet. Many vets have large weighing scales in their reception areas, so you can easily drop-in and pop your doggo on – it’s often easier than trying to do it at home.
- Weigh Your Pet: A quick tip for weighing your pet at home is to first get on the scales yourself, record your weight and then get back on the scales again whilst holding your dog. This will avoid having to convince them to sit calmly on the scales while you record their weight. This is particularly useful if you have a large, heavy or stubborn dog.
- Portion Control: One of the easiest ways of helping your senior dog shed a few unwanted pounds is portion control. Don’t feel guilty giving them smaller portions or reducing the amount of treats they get; they’ll thank you for it in the long run. Also consider consulting with your vet, who may be able to recommend a tailored nutrition plan.
- Eating Habits: It’s important to monitor how much your pet is eating, mentioning any changes in their eating habits or weight to your vet. Although it’s natural for senior dogs to have a decrease in appetite with age, any significant drop in weight could be a sign of an underlying medical reason. Also, if your senior dog is living in a multi-pet household, ensure that they are never competing for food with any younger dogs in the house and that they can always get to their food unimpeded. On days of low appetite our Happy Bones can be a welcome, stimulating and nutritional boost to your little old Pirate.
4. Physical Exercise
Although they may be slowing down, senior dogs still need regular exercise to maintain their mobility, flexibility and muscle mass, whilst also keeping those all-important pounds off. Here are some suggestions on how to keep your old pal active in their golden years:
- Light Play Sessions: While they may not have the same energy as when they were younger, light play sessions are an ideal low-impact, low-intensity way of keeping them physically and mentally stimulated in the comfort of their home surroundings.
- Short Walks: Short regular walks can help keep your doggo’s muscles and joints in good condition. Consider the route you’re taking and avoid any difficult terrain or steep inclines.
- Know Their Limits: Be mindful of your pet’s limitations and adjust activities accordingly. If they seem tired or uncomfortable, don’t force the issue and let them take the lead (pun fully intended!).
- Dress for the Weather: Despite their built-in coats, dogs aren’t immune to the cold. This is especially true of older dogs, particularly short-haired breeds. Consider investing in a good quality waterproof winter coat to keep them warm and dry when out on walks.
One thing to look out for is if your dog appears to be ignoring you or less responsive to your commands. This could be because their hearing has deteriorated, so consider getting your vet to check them over.
5. Mental Stimulation
One of the biggest issues affecting senior dogs in the UK is cognitive decline, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). It is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans and whilst there is no cure, various steps can be taken to help dogs maintain a good quality of life, including providing them with adequate mental stimulation. Here are some tips:
- Mental Enrichment: Stimulate your pet's mind with puzzles, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games. This is one of the best ways to help combat cognitive decline.
- Gentle Grooming: Whilst also helping to strengthen your bond with them, gentle grooming also gives you the chance to check for any new lumps or bumps and identify and aches or pains they might be experiencing.
- Social Interaction: If possible, arrange to meet-up with other dogs to socialise. Social interaction is essential for good mental health.
- Routine and Consistency: Try wherever possible to stick to a consistent daily routine to minimise any stress on your pet. Senior pets are creatures of habit and often find comfort in predictability.
Conclusion
It’s clear that caring for a senior dog can be challenging, however it can also be massively rewarding. Knowing that senior pets may start to behave differently as they age requires patience and understanding on our part as their owners. We hope you have found the tips and advice in this blog helpful and that you now feel more comfortable and confident in caring for a senior dog during their golden years.
For more helpful advice and guidance, check out our Blog Hub or contact us directly by emailing hello@axelselixir.com and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.