Dogs are one of the most popular types of pets in the world. They are loving, playful, loyal, and smart, making them great companions for almost any kind of person. If you have a pet dog, chances are you have bonded closely with it over the years and want what’s best for it. An average dog’s life span is around ten to thirteen years, unfortunately much shorter than a human’s. This means that it’s likely you’ll need to care for your canine friend in their old age. Here are some great tips to help you give your dog the best life as they become older.
Keep Up to Date with Treatments
As with all animals, getting older means an increased likelihood of health complications arising and causing pain. Dogs are no exception. It’s important to know your dog, how it behaves normally and what changes might indicate poor health. If your dog has a pre-existing medical condition, make sure to stay up to date with treatments to ensure that old age doesn’t impact your dog’s quality of life. Visiting Easy Vet and getting frequent check-ups will help to keep your dog in good health for longer.
Monitoring their health is essential because if an illness is spotted earlier, it can be treated more easily. Make sure to find a suitable all animals vet clinic location where you can take your furry companion any time they need medical care. Having doctors on speed dial is a great way to get quick help if something should happen.
Exercise Regularly But Not Strenuously
Exercise is as vital for a dog’s health as it is for your own. If your dog doesn’t have complications such as arthritis or breathing problems, try to maintain a regular walking routine into their old age. Keeping your dog fit will also help to keep them feeling young and healthy for longer. Of course, if there are problems involving your dog’s mobility and comfort, then address these before expecting them to join you on your walk.
Adapt Their Environment
Older dogs might not be as able to climb the stairs or bend down fully to eat from their bowl, so making changes can help increase their comfort. You can find specially designed stands to keep food bowls at a comfortable height. It might be worth considering a new location for your dog’s bed if they usually sleep upstairs or outside. If they have become occasionally incontinent, putting up baby gates to prevent them from entering particular rooms can limit the amount of cleaning you need to do. The main point is that you must pay attention to your aging dog’s changing needs and catering to them as best as possible.
Have Patience
The older your dog gets, the more likely they are to have little accidents or not hear a command. Remember that they aren’t being deliberately disobedient but that their age makes life harder. Treat them with kindness and patience.
Reward Them
Treat your old dog to a comfortable new bed or their favorite kind of treat more frequently. Reward them for being a good companion to you and your family over the years. When you first get a young puppy, training them with rewards and punishments has high stakes since what they learn will impact how they behave for their whole life. This doesn’t apply to old dogs. While they probably won’t understand the intention behind the treats, their happiness is what matters most.
