Just like in human beings, aging is normal in dogs and no matter what you do, your dog will get old at some point in its life.
However, this should not get you worried as long as you understand the different measures you should take to help your dog as he becomes older.
As your dog becomes older, there are certain things that you are going to notice. To start with, they get prone to diseases, their sight and hearing capabilities deteriorate as compared to before, and they are not as mobile as they were before.
That notwithstanding, getting old does not mean that it is the end of the road for your dog. This is because, with the right care, a dog can remain happy and healthy even during its sunset years.As a dog owner, you need to know when your dog is getting old. This is because different breeds of dogs age differently. The most important thing is to take note of any aging signs and take the right measures to help your dog.
Some ways of helping an aging dog include;
Keeping Tabs With Common Illnesses in Older Dogs
As a dog gets older, it becomes susceptible to some illnesses that are common in older dogs. One of these illnesses is osteoarthritis.
Even though we still do not have a known cure for this condition, you can use some treatments to ensure that your dog remains active all the time if you manage to identify the condition early.
One way of doing this is by using hemp oil for dogs. It helps in getting rid of the inflammation and pain that is commonly associated with conditions such as arthritis. With this, you will be helping your dog cope with old age conditions and improving the quality of its life.
Old Age Diet for Dogs
No matter the age of your dog, you need to make sure that the dog is always having a balanced diet for a healthy life. When they grow old, dogs are likely to be obese since they are not as mobile as before and lack the energy of younger dogs.
You, therefore, need to look for food that is suitable for older dogs and that is designed to help them prevent the gaining of extra weight. These foods come with fewer calories and less fat compared to the meals taken by younger dogs.
Regular Exercise
As a dog grows older, its need for regular exercise keeps on growing. This is important in helping them avoid weight gain, be alert, and improve their general health.
Given that old age comes with certain limitations, you need to consult a veterinarian to understand the right exercise programs suitable for your dog.
In addition to regular exercise, you need to make sure that your dog is groomed regularly. You can do this using some of the best dog grooming devices and equipment to eliminate the chances of having tangles and mats develop on the dog.
Regular Checkups
You need to consult a veterinarian regularly when taking care of an older dog. This is because the immune system of senior dogs tends to be weaker compared to that of younger dogs, something that makes them prone to different illnesses.
To ensure that your dog is healthy, you can visit a vet after every six months as long as your dog does not show any signs of sickness in between. This will help you understand what your dog might be going through and take care of it before it gets serious.
Parasite Protection and Vaccinations
No matter the age of your dog, you need to make sure that it is protected from worms, ticks, fleas, and other parasites at all times. This means that you should continue administering treatments to your senior dog.
However, things get quite different when it comes to vaccinations for older dogs. They do not have to be vaccinated periodically like before. With the help of your veterinarian, make sure that you know the right time for vaccination for your dog.
Conclusion
Even though getting old is normal for every living thing, some dog owners might find it painful and difficult to see every single change taking place with their dog as it grows older.
However, instead of getting worried or doing nothing, you can take the measures discussed above to ensure that your dog remains healthy at all times and enjoys every moment of its old age.
Disclaimer:
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis in India
CBD oil manufactured under a licence issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used in India, for medicinal purposes with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the same here for the legalities of use in India
This article is purely for informational purposes and not meant to be a professional diagnosis. The article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff
Stay updated with all the insights.
Navigate news, 1 email day.
Subscribe to Qrius
