Just like humans, dogs get older with every passing year. You may notice they’re getting a little slower, enjoying sleeping more, and don’t play quite as much as they used to. Maybe you’ve had your dog since puppyhood. Perhaps you’ve decided to take on the responsibility of adopting a senior dog. No matter how you got here, there are a few things you can do to give your senior dog the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life they deserve.
Modify Their Environment
As your dog gets older, it may get tougher and tougher for them to move around the house. That’s why you’ll need to modify their environment to make it easier. Buying a little ramp or doggy stairs will make it easier for them to get on to a couch or bed. Place their food and water bowls in a little stand so they don’t strain their neck during meals. Softer treats and toys will make playtime and treat time easier for those with tooth problems. You may even need to go so far as to block stairs or certain rooms so your dog doesn’t hurt themselves by entering without supervision.
Take Special Care of Joints
Senior dogs often find themselves victim to aching joints, creating mobility issues. In addition to making modifications like doggy stairs to help them get around, invest in a powerful joint supplement. We highly recommend our PupGrade Joint Support Chew. It’s special ingredients like Perna work to target the cause of joint pain, not just the symptoms. In fact, it’s been clinically proven to increase hind leg strength by 41% in as little as 4 weeks.
Pay Attention to Their “Tells”
It’s common for aging dogs to start to lose their stamina as time goes on. This doesn’t mean they won’t want to play. Many senior dogs enjoy a few sessions of play each day. That being said, pay attention to your dog’s behavior. If they start to slow down, panting, or seem off, it may be time to take a break and get a drink. Stay vigilant so your pup doesn’t get overworked.
Provide Mind Strengthening Activities
Just like humans, dog’s minds tend to become less sharp over time. Strengthen their minds by playing games. There are countless toys on the market that allow you to make getting a treat a challenge. You can also play games without purchasing toys just by hiding treats around the room and allowing your dog to find them.
Conclusion
Just because your dog is aging doesn’t mean their enjoyment of life has to end. If you follow the steps above, you will no doubt have a happy and healthy dog well into their later years.
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