Ten Tips: Caring for a Senior Dog

by ©Missy Clifft (with the help of Hopscotch, our resident senior)

Senior Golden Retriever
As our canine companions get older, they have special needs that require a little more attention, time, and care. There are things that we, as guardians, need to be aware of to make this transition to the Golden Years a little easier.

We've scoured the web for information on senior & aging dogs and have found many useful tips. Here are just a few of our favorite, and most helpful, hints for caring for an older dog.

1. Make sure the path is well lit. Some older dogs have a hard time seeing so navigating stairs, hallways, walking on floors full of toys, etc. can be difficult. Be sure there is always a light on when he/she is walking around. Anticipate problems, such as out-of-place items, and help your senior when needed.

2. Leaner is better. Lean dogs live longer and are healthier, and excess fat and weight can be so hard on those senior joints and that senior heart. Watch the treats, and give them in moderation. (Hopper says not to listen to that. She is a chow-hound extraordinaire!) You should be able to feel the ribs easily and your dog should have a nice hourglass figure when viewed from above.

3. Exercise, in moderation, is wonderful! Though probably not up for a marathon, senior dogs enjoy a leisurely stroll, a swim (best exercise for stiff joints), or a visit to the dog park to walk around and socialize. If your dog has an especially hard time exercising, try to find a hydrotherapy center near you and take them two to three times a week.

4. Keep it interesting! When he/she can no longer engage in the activities they once loved, spice it up! For instance, we bought Hopscotch a Radio Flyer for the days her legs are sore or stiff. She can still go on long walks with Brandy and Spencer, but once she feels tired, she crawls in the wagon with her blankie and gets to ride the rest of the way.

5. A high quality diet is critical. There's a wealth of information on our site about nutrition. Study the different foods, compare brands, and find one that works for you. To make eating even easier on your dog, use an elevated feeder & add warm water to the kibble. See our article on bloat for more info on that. Diet is the key to overall health. If you've 'skimped' on dog food before, now is the time to change.

6. Watch the teeth and gums closely. Older dogs are more susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, etc, so be more diligent than ever about brushing, or give raw marrow bones to remove tartar if you'd rather. When you visit the veterinarian, be sure he/she looks closely at your senior's teeth and gums.

7. Provide a warm environment. Keep blankets on hand, and make sure your senior isn't in drafty areas. They have a harder time regulating their body temperature. An elevated bed with a fleecy blanket is Hopper's preference. Don't panic, though. You don't have to buy anything outrageously expensive. Mini-trampolines are great, sturdy beds. We fold a comforter in fourths on ours and Hopper loves it! You can also purchase beds with heating pads in them at your local pet supply store.

8. Visit your veterinarian at least twice a year. Senior dogs need to have thorough exams more often than a routine annual visit. Talk to your veterinarian about titering instead of vaccinating. We recommend titering on all dogs and cats, but even more so on seniors.

9. Check the dog every few days for lumps and bumps. Don't panic when you find one because senior dogs, especially goldens, get lots of fatty deposits, but do be aware. Track them in a log and let your veterinarian know when there are any changes or new lumps.

10. Study all you can about health of senior dogs, diseases, conditions, etc. so you know what to look for. Learn the symptoms and watch for them. Behind every happy & healthy dog is an informed guardian!

Check these senior dog links for more info:

• The Senior Dogs Project *our top pick*

• The Golden Years

• Behavior of Aging Pets

• Caring for Aging Pets

Resource:

Back to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary