Keep your dog comfortable and improve their quality of life as they reach their golden years!
In part one, we began our exploration into practical ways you can assist your dog as they age, such as modifying their eating area and implementing ramps and steps. In today’s blog, we have additional things you can do to help keep your senior comfortable around the house.
The Vet Set in Carroll Gardens is the place to bring your pooch for the ultimate in veterinary medicine. We provide senior dogs with the best options and treatments that you won’t find in a traditional vet clinic. Try dog acupuncture or CBD to support inflammation and pain and improve their immune system. Find unique vet services here!
Now, more ways to elevate and improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life below!
Make These Adjustments to Aid Your Aging Pup!
Help reduce anxieties.
If your dog is near the end, they may be prone to anxiety because of their loss of senses. Many times their eyesight and hearing are impacted so when new people come over and want to dote and love on them, this can raise their anxiety because the attention is abrupt and alarming.
Help quell their anxiety by keeping them close when people come over or avoid a lot of new people in your home — especially small children!
Keep a healthy home.
Older dogs have an impaired and vulnerable immune system, so it’s critical to keep a healthy home. This not only means spatially with a clutter-free environment, but germ-wise as well. Clean and disinfect your home on a regular basis to keep everyone within it happy and healthy.
Accept puppy pads.
There will come a time when your senior dog will not always be able to make it outside to use the bathroom, so puppy pads are a must! It’s not fun for anyone, so if you are proactive and accept that eventually, you will need them, it may help you come to terms with this reality.
Incorporate soft or wet dog food.
A lifetime of chewing and chomping can leave your dog susceptible to teeth deterioration, which can make eating in old age more difficult or even painful. If you notice your dog isn’t eating, it could be a result of sore teeth.
Try incorporating softer foods or making a gravy to mix with their dry dog food. Dogs love wet canned food, so this also might be a great option to try.
If your dog still isn’t eating after trying new, softer foods, connect with your vet to ensure everything is a-ok.
Be proactive about their health.
Aging dogs require additional TLC and observing their health is crucial. This means paying a little bit more attention to what’s going on and addressing it if need be.
Be proactive in their health and regularly check their teeth, ears, and coat. Assess for any lumps or bumps or tender areas. A little extra attention can prevent or help with a diagnosis in the future.
Remember car safety.
If your dog loves to go for a ride, remember that as they age they have a much more difficult time getting in and out of the car.
You can find things to assist them in the car, in addition to modifiers that make it safer for them to ride in the car. When you incorporate these things, it makes getting in the car safer for you and your pooch and prevents any injuries they may sustain while riding along.
Minimize loud noise.
Unless your dog has hearing issues, eliminating loud noises can help them stay calm and eliminate any anxieties they may have. Overstimulating environments often find senior dogs completely terrified and shut down (think hiding in the bathroom), so keeping a peaceful home is extremely pertinent for your dog.
Sound therapy has helped senior dogs adjust by implementing calming music — classical and instrumental music — to help them adjust to the different sound frequencies of everyday life.
Your senior dog can absolutely have an amazing life towards the end stages when you make practical and easy adjustments to your home. Incorporate puppy pads and soft foods in combination with keeping a clean home, a safe car, and being diligent in preventative care.
For a doggy wellness check-up, schedule a visit to our vet clinic in Carroll Gardens today!