Do you have any tips for pet owners to help aging dogs?

We are fortunate that with advanced medical treatments, more balanced nutrition, and dedicated pet owners, dogs are living longer and happier lives.

Here are some suggestions for helping responsible pet owners keep their beloved dogs living a quality life:

1. Health checks: One of the best ways to stay on top of any potential health concerns is to schedule regular veterinary visits. Often by identifying certain health conditions early on there is a better chance of finding treatment options and improving a dogs survival.

I would recommend a veterinary examination at least every six months once your pet has reached his or her senior years, which on average is around 7 years of age depending on the breed of dog. Your veterinarian will want to carefully examine for any changes in heart or lung sounds, vision, mobility and temperature. He or she may perform tests such as senior bloodwork, urine tests and blood pressure readings.

2. Nutrition: Evaluation of your dogs diet is another important element in your dogs aging process. Aging animals may require different levels of fat and protein in their diet due to changes in their metabolic demands. Also depending on any underlying health conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, specific diet changes will be recommended by your veterinarian.

Several commercial dog foods are now formulated specifically for senior dogs and contain additional nutrients, such as glucosamine for arthritis or omega 3 and omega 6 to help with skin coat and to prevent cartilage degeneration.

Additionally, many companies have begun to formulate diets that aim to prevent a decline in cognitive dysfunction. Consult with your veterinarian to find the perfect diet tailored to suit your aging dog.

3. Alternative therapies: There are several alternatives therapies now available to our aging pets, including acupuncture, physical therapy, stem cell therapy and cold laser treatments.

Many arthritic pets have difficulty with joint pain and range of motion, which makes routine exercise very difficult. This population of dogs may greatly benefit from exercise on an underwater treadmill or in the pool, which would lessen the stress on their painful joints while helping to build or maintain muscle mass.

Cold laser treatments are a type of a noninvasive therapy that utilizes light to stimulate cell regeneration and increases blood circulation to an injured or arthritic region of the body.

4. Enrichment: The use of enrichment in your dogs life has shown to be beneficial in keeping them more active, mobile, and less anxious. Those dogs that are provided with interactive toys, playtime and walks have less chance of losing many of their cognitive abilities. Furthermore, active dogs are not as likely to gain weight as they age. Overweight or obese dogs are predisposed to health concerns such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and arthritis.

5. Environmental changes: A pet owner should be mindful that their aging pets are often more sensitive to temperature extremes. During the warmer months of the year it would be wise to keep your dog in an area of the house that is a comfortable temperature and ensure they have free access to water to prevent heatstroke.

During the colder months pets should spend limited time outside in the cooler temperatures, especially in the snow and ice. There are boots designed to aid your dog with slippery floors or on the icy ground to prevent potential injuries. Providing extra blankets, an orthopedic bed or placing your dogs bed in a warmer location of the house are all suggestions to help make your dog more comfortable.

Read more:
Caring for dogs as they age - Burlington County Times