Understanding Your Senior Dog's Needs
At what age is my dog considered a senior?
A lot of people refer to their senior dogs as old dogs, but many dogs that are seniors aren't considered old because at seven, they are considered seniors. However, some dogs really aren't very old at seven. For example, a small breed dog can easily live until they're 16. We don't consider them old, but we do consider them seniors and start making different recommendations based on that.
What are common health issues in senior dogs, and how can I recognize them?
A big issue that we see in senior dogs is arthritis. Just like us as we're getting older, dogs as they age, their cartilage can start breaking down and they'll start suffering from arthritis. This can manifest as difficulty hopping up into the car, difficulty rising from the floor, or slipping around in your house.
These are common age-related changes you'll see at home with your older senior dog. Many other issues are more silent, things that owners might not necessarily pick up on, but that we see on a physical exam or through lab work.
What changes should I make to my senior dog's diet?
Many people start looking at senior dog wet food or senior dog food in general when discussing an age-related diet change. This is definitely something best discussed with your veterinarian because it doesn't depend just on the age of the pet, but also on their activity level.
Diet changes and recommendations for an older dog could be made. The consideration toward that diet change should be made with you and us in an exam room when we talk about it. When we switch a patient over to a senior-type diet, typically they're higher in protein and lower in fat, as older dogs are often less mobile and more predisposed to developing obesity. We start switching them to a senior diet when the time is right for that patient.
What should I do if my senior dog starts losing weight or has a decreased appetite?
These are definite signs that you should bring your senior dog in to see us. A decrease in appetite or reduced eating could be related to something wrong with their teeth, as changes within their oral cavity occur as they get older if they don't have any dental care. A sudden weight change could be a sign of a significant health issue, and that's something we would start with a physical exam.
How can I modify my home to make it more comfortable for my senior dog?
Adding more area rugs can provide traction to help your senior pet get up and move around. There are different toe grip products available that can help add traction for your dog's feet when they're walking. If you have a bigger car, getting something like a ramp can help your dog get up into the car if they're older, arthritic, and weak. These kinds of modifications can help your pet age gracefully.
If you’re searching for veterinary care you can rely on, we’re here to help. Call (937) 358-8142 or email [email protected] to schedule your pet’s appointment. Our team is committed to keeping your pet happy and healthy.