Instructions
Your Older Dog's Basic Needs
Make your dog comfortable as the temperature changes. Purchasing extra blankets will help keep the pet warm, as the weather gets colder. Keep your pet inside during hot weather, as dehydration is likely.
Buy food that is easy for them to chew. Their teeth begin to rot, and they may experience gum diseases, and other tooth problems, that make it difficult to eat the way they used to. Check with your Veterinarian before introducing new food to your pet. Limit table scraps. Their dog food supplies all the nutrition they need.
Shorten your walks. Their heart and lungs no longer function as they used to. If your dog is overweight, put them on a diet, as the extra weight affects their joints. It may increase their possibility of developing arthritis.
As They Near The End Of Their Life
Multiply by six, what their current age is, if you have a small dog. If your dog is a large breed, multiply by eight. Those numbers are comparable to human years. Large breed dogs generally don't have a long life-span.
Take your dog to the vet at least twice a year. Vet check-ups are essential to detect diseases early on. It is tragically common for dogs older than 10 years, to die from cancer in the United States.
Watch your pet's eating, sleeping, and potty habits. Make your home old-buddy friendly. Smaller dogs may need assistance climbing onto furniture. Bigger dogs may need physical assistance when climbing stairs, or into automobiles.
Read your pet's moods. If they are low on energy, refuse to play or eat, and their demeanor has changed dramatically -- for the worse -- it may be time to make a decision. Dementia and incontinence are common, and will get worse with time. This affects their quality of life.
How to Help Your Old Dog Age Gracefully
When pets are young, they have seemingly endless amounts of energy and vitality. But as they age, they become more difficult to care for. The physical agility they once displayed, is now replaced by sluggishness. Their appetite changes, and they too have off-days. Yet, they are a member of the family. They have been excellent listeners -- given their complete attention to their human companions -- and now they deserve to be cared for with plenty of love and attention.