Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? If your four-legged friend is entering the senior years, there’s still plenty you can do as a pet owner to make sure his or her days are happy and healthy. Read on to learn a few quick tips to help make life better for an older dog.
- Check Their Food — As your dog ages, their nutritional needs change as well. Food formulated for puppies contains a higher number of calories because these dogs need a large amount of energy to grow up healthy. However, this type of food can quickly cause an older, less active dog to gain weight. Check your dog’s food and make sure you’re feeding your dog senior-formulated food, which has nutrients to support older age.
- Get Regular Exercise — Your older dog may not be able to run and jump like he used to, but that doesn’t mean his golden years should be spent indoors! Walking, hiking, and even a quick game of fetch are all great ways that you and your dog can get moving again!
- Buckle Up — Many older dogs are much calmer than their younger counterparts, but the quick stop of a car can cause them to lose their balance and sustain an injury. Buckling up your pet when traveling in the car or buckling a carrying container to the seat can help prevent sudden stops from injuring your dog.
- Do a Lump-Check While Grooming — As dogs age, the chance of finding an unusual lump or bump rises. While brushing your dog, check for new growths — and contact your veterinarian immediately if you do notice something.
- Invest in a Better Bed — Just like humans, many older dogs suffer from joint pain or arthritis. Investing in an orthopedic dog bed or organic pet beds for your dog’s comfort, can prevent the pain of poor circulation.
Interested in learning more about making life more comfortable for an older dog? All Natural Dog Beds is here to support your best friend with orthopedic and organic dog beds available at affordable prices. Give us a call today at 856-866-6061 to get started!
Noita, 12 and Alex, 3