Dental diseases, arthritis, and other degenerative diseases are some of the problems your fur buddy might suffer upon growing old. How do you deal with these senior dogs health problems? The most important thing for you to remember is that you’re not alone. Many senior dog owners have the same problems but chose not to give up—just as you shouldn’t. Here are some tips to help you and your senior dog cope with any health problems that might come your way.
1. Visit the vet regularly. For at least once a week, you should visit the vet and have an examination to make sure that there are no hidden diseases. Prevention is better than treatment.
2. Have an evaluation of your pet’s body condition. Is your dog underweight, overweight, or just about right? Every time you show up for a visit to the vet, this is one of the primary questions you need to have an answer to.
3. Only use high-quality food. At this point you can’t afford to scrimp on your fur baby’s diet. You need to pay attention to what your dog is eating. In the same sense, only choose food that will help your dog reach the target body weight and help prevent the incidence of illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, or any other skin disease.
8 Tips for Achieving Optimum Senior Dogs Health
4. Consider fortifying your senior dog’s diet with fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. They have been shown to be useful for dogs with mobility issues due to arthritis or other joint diseases. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are also beneficial for senior dogs.
5. Consider a special diet if your older dog has heart or kidney disease. For example, diets lower in sodium are sometimes advocated for dogs with heart disease, while diets which help control phosphorus, calcium and other electrolyte levels are given to dogs with kidney disease. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your dog based on your dog’s individual situation. (Read more here)
6. Have your dog’s mouth checked. This may sound almost silly, but you might want to start brushing your dog’s teeth. You might also want to use dental treats and other products to keep your dog’s teeth clean.
7. Exercise. This is part of your efforts to keep your dog at the ideal weight. It doesn’t have to be intense right away. You can start slowly and gradually. You should also consult a vet for a proper exercise plan.
8. Give special accommodations to your dog. This means giving them more toys and softer beddings than usual. You might even want to use a ramp or provide carpeting to help your dog live an easier life.
It will require a little adjustment, but all these will be worth it, if it means spending a little more time with your best buddy, right?