Have an elderly dog at home? According to experts, making subtle changes to your dog’s routine and home environment, along with increasing the frequency of veterinary care, can help them lead a healthier and more comfortable life.
+ 7 tips on how to clean your pet’s paws after a walk
+ Looking for a small companion dog? Check out the 15 best breeds
+ Do dogs of wealthy owners live longer than those of poor owners?
Keep reading to discover 5 tips for enhancing the life of your elderly dog, as advised by experts from the PetMD website:
1. Make small changes to your dog’s environment
If you have an elderly dog, making minor adjustments to your home and their surroundings can significantly impact their quality of life, according to Dr. Justine Lee, a board-certified specialist in emergency and critical care.
She suggests that adding carpeting to your home’s floors can make it easier for your elderly dog to stand up and reduce the risk of slipping on hardwood floors, especially if they have mobility issues. Non-slip rubber-soled socks for dogs can also provide traction for older canines. Dr. Lee also recommends considering the use of dog ramps in your home to prevent them from exerting too much effort.
Dr. Sarah Wooten, a veterinarian from Greeley, Colorado (USA), agrees that ramps are a good option for elderly dogs. “Ramps are a wonderful way to help dogs get into cars, go up and down stairs, and onto furniture,” she told the PetMD website.
Additionally, pet owners may need to reevaluate the setup of food and water for elderly dogs to provide extra comfort and ease of use. Dr. Wooten suggests considering an elevated bowl for your dog’s food and water to reduce strain on their head and neck.
Dr. Raelynn Farnsworth, head of the community practice service at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends making it easier for elderly dogs to locate their water bowl.
“If the animal has trouble remembering where any given bowl might be, you might have to increase the number of water bowls in your home. A nightlight near the food and water can also help,” she explained in conversation with PetMD.
Night vision is the first sense to diminish with age, so you can assist your elderly pet by installing nightlights throughout the house. You can also block stairways with dog gates to prevent nighttime accidents.
2. Keep your elderly dog active
As dogs age, it’s important to ensure they continue to get plenty of exercise, according to Dr. Wooten. “If you don’t move it, you lose it. Muscle mass is the primary driver of metabolism, and dogs that lose muscle mass develop frailty syndrome, which accelerates the aging process,” she explained.
If your dog’s activity level gradually decreases over time, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Owners of older dogs should watch for subtle signs of pain and consult a veterinarian to create an optimal treatment plan.
“People still think that ‘slowing down’ is normal in old age for pets. It’s not. It’s indicative of untreated pain,” Wooten cautioned.
Furthermore, keeping your elderly dog active also helps prevent weight gain. “Maintaining a lean body condition is the most important thing you can do to help minimize the effects of arthritis,” she added.
3. Invest in an orthopedic or heated dog bed
If you’re caring for an aging dog, investing in an orthopedic or heated dog bed can assist elderly dogs dealing with arthritis and other joint issues, according to Wooten.
“A restful, pain-free sleep is great for older dogs. It can improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life,” she said.
A heated dog bed can also aid an elderly dog with stiffness and joint problems. You can place a heated pad or mat on your dog’s bed to achieve a similar effect.
“Consider electric heating pads controlled by a thermostat with emergency shut-offs if they overheat,” Farnsworth suggested. “This pad will provide significant relief for age-related arthritis pain.”
4. Try using a support harness for dogs
If your elderly dog has mobility issues, a support harness for dogs can be incredibly helpful, according to Dr. Lee. “If your dog has significant trouble getting up, sometimes using a sling can help,” she explained.
Support harnesses for dogs are designed to assist with walking, ascending stairs, using the bathroom, or getting into a car for elderly dogs. “There are great harnesses available with a handle on the back, so you can assist your dog easily,” Dr. Wooten added.
5. Conduct regular blood tests for your dog
As dogs age, it’s a good idea to have regular veterinary check-ups, including annual or semi-annual blood tests, according to Dr. Lee. Along with routine exams, she suggested that pet owners conduct annual blood tests for their elderly dogs.
“I generally recommend blood tests to check white and red blood cell counts, as well as kidney and liver function to ensure they are healthy. This is an easy way to detect any type of illness,” she stated.
