Top 5 Tips to Care For Your Senior Dog

As our dogs grow older, their needs, preferences and behaviour can begin to change. It's important to give them additional care and attention and consider making changes in your routine to keep them happy and healthy. There are many ways to care for and interact with your dog to help them remain safe, happy and comfortable as they age. Top tips to care for your older dog Tip 1. Make your home accessible Your older dog may need extra help with getting up the stairs, moving around the house or getting in and out of the car. Add ramps to help them get up and down with ease. Make sure your dog's bed, food and water are in a place that's easy for them to access. You can also place their bowls on a slightly raised surface to prevent your dog from bending their neck. Add rugs or non-slip mats to hard flooring or tiles to help prevent your older dog from slipping or falling. Tip 2. Provide a comfy place to rest Ensure your senior dog is comfortable and warm as they tend to need more rest and sleep as they age. Provide them with a soft, comfortable bed of their preference, away from any draughts and in a quiet area of your home. Add extra blankets or pillows to help keep them cosy. Ensure your dog is aware of these so they don't trip or fall. Tip 3. Adjust your dog's exercise routine It's important to exercise your dog to help keep them fit and healthy throughout their lifetime. However, high-impact activities such as fetch games can put stress on their joints. Introduce lower-impact activities, for example a gentle walk, providing lots of opportunities for your older dog to sniff. Monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort. Exercise your dog regularly, in shorter bursts, to prevent over-tiring them. Tip 4. Keep your dog's brain engaged Brain games can help to slow down cognitive decline that comes with ageing. Use puzzle toys or interactive feeders to keep your older dog engaged and mentally stimulated. Play hide-and-seek with their favourite toys or with their food as a fun challenge for your dog. Tip 5. Maintain a regular grooming routine Grooming your dog, including regular nail trimming, is especially important as they age, as they may not groom themselves as well or as much as they used to. It also helps with bonding between you and your dog and can promote a healthy skin and coat. Make sure to groom your older dog gently and carefully and monitor them for any signs of discomfort. Use the opportunity to perform a physical check for any changes to your dog's body, coat or skin. As your dog ages, you may need to visit your vet more frequently to monitor their behaviour and health. If you have any concerns or notice any changes in your older dog, always seek advice from your vet. For more tips and advice on keeping your dog happy and healthy, sign up to Good Dog, our pet dog training and welfare subscription.