Care Tips for Senior Dogs

Is your canine companion getting along in years? Senior dogs make wonderful pets, but they need plenty of love and attention to stay healthy in their golden years. Below, your Oconomowoc, WI veterinarian gives you a few quick care tips for your older dog.

Your dog’s nutritional requirements have changed quite a bit from the time he was a puppy. That’s why it’s important that he’s given a specially formulated senior diet to eat! Foods crafted for senior dogs usually are made to be easier to digest, and might even include supplements and specific nutrients designed to soothe symptoms associated with aging. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a great senior diet that suits your pet’s needs, and be sure to ask about a proper portion size.

Like it or not, your senior dog’s immune system isn’t as robust as it once was. It’s all too easy for infestations and infections to sideline your dog’s health and lead to serious trouble very quickly. Keeping up with preventative care—vaccinations against dangerous and contagious diseases, as well as pest preventatives to ward off fleas, ticks, and worms—is the best way to avoid the danger entirely! If your dog is due for vaccinations or needs updated parasite control medicine, contact your vet’s office right away.

Generally speaking, senior dogs don’t relish the idea of climbing a set of stairs every time they have to eat or use the bathroom. Keep Fido’s main area on the ground floor if at all possible, and try using pet ramps or stairs to assist him when getting up on his favorite loveseat. You might also line slippery wooden or tile floors with rugs or sections of carpet; these will help your dog to keep his footing while traversing these areas.

It’s recommended that your senior dog see their veterinarian at least twice a year. This way, your vet can examine your dog frequently and monitor their health closely, allowing them to catch any health problems early on. From there, prompt treatment can be administered so your dog can get back to a healthy life as quickly as possible.

Does your senior dog need an examination? Set up an appointment today with your Oconomowoc, WI veterinary clinic. We’re here to help make your dog’s older age as happy and healthy as possible!