Care guide for your senior dog

A dog enters their senior years between 5 and 10 years old depending on their breed and size. During this time you will begin to notice some significant changes in your pooch. To keep them as happy and comfortable as possible throughout their senior years there are a few changes you will need to make.

Feeding

Your dog’s nutritional needs begin to change significantly as they get older, so ensuring they have the right diet is an important part of their health and well-being. As your dog gets older, they will naturally become less active, meaning they aren’t burning as many calories as they used to. This means they don’t need to consume as much energy as when they were younger. If a senior dog continues to be fed the same amount of calories as an adult dog, it may lead to obesity or other health issues.

You may choose to feed a senior dog specific diet, as many of these have higher-quality protein sources than standard foods. This helps to maintain body weight and muscle mass whilst not putting too much strain on their kidneys.

Senior dogs need more water than adult dogs, so it is important to make sure to increase your dog’s accessibility to water around the home. A water fountain as well as offering wet food will aid in your senior dog's hydration.

Supplements

There are a range of supplements that may help with any health concerns your senior dog is having. Blackmores PAW Osteocare Joint Health Chews contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Glucosamine Sulfate helps to provide cartilage nutrition for optimal joint cartilage health and function. Chondroiton Sulfate is a major component of joint cartilage and is needed for cartilage and joint health. There are also a large range of supplements to support your senior dog from skin & coat health, bone & joint support to digestive care.

Health

It is important to flea and worm your adult dog all year round. Some flea treatments need to be applied to your dog monthly whereas some products such as Bravecto provide your dog with 3 months of protection against fleas and ticks. You may also prefer to use a flea collar for your dog.

Products such as NexGard Spectra provide a 1 month protection against fleas, ticks and intestinal worms. If using a worming tablet such as Drontal, your dog will require treatment every 3 months. Make sure you buy the correct dosage for your dog's weight.

Toys

As your dog gets older they won’t be as active, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t still enjoy a bit of play time every now and again. In fact, this is an important part of keeping your senior dog healthy. Try a puzzle toy, a treat dispensing toy or a plush toy. Avoid small toys that your dog could inhale, or chew toys that are too hard as it may damage their teeth.

Sleeping

The number one priority when it comes to choosing the right bed for your senior dog is comfort. Older dogs may experience arthritis or joint pain, and giving them the comfiest sleep possible will help to ease these painful symptoms. An Orthopaedic Bed is the perfect option for a senior dog. A heatpad can be the perfect addition to your senior pup’s bedding in winter to keep them warm.

Grooming

Bathing your senior dog is an important part of general care. It is important to understand that if your dog has joint issues or arthritis, lengthy grooming sessions may become very uncomfortable. It can be better to break this up into multiple sessions for your pooch. Choose a dog specific shampoo such as WashBar or, if your dog has a wooly or curly coat, Yours Droolly Oodles Shampoo. There are also specific shampoos for sensitive skin.

Brushing your dog frequently will help to remove any loose coat, dust, dander and knots in long haired dogs. For a short coat dog, a soft bristled brush is better, and a deshedding tool or rake for a long coated dog.

On average, a dog will need their nails clipped every 1-2 months or when you can hear their nails clicking on the floor when they walk. Make sure you use a dog specific nail trimmer. Again, watch out for signs of distress or discomfort when clipping a senior dog’s nails. Read our full guide on clipping your dog’s nails here.

Dental Health

Dental disease is very common in ageing dogs. Just like with your own teeth, it is important to brush your dog’s teeth. Make sure you use a dog specific toothpaste. Most experts agree that daily brushing is ideal, but if that's unrealistic, aim for three to four times per week. And don't be an overachiever - if your pup's patience only lasts for you to brush half his teeth today and the other half tomorrow, that's fine. Just remember which half you did each day!

Dental treats are another great way to aid your dog’s dental health. Chew toys can also help keep their teeth clean by scraping away any plaque and dirt. Try to avoid toys that are too hard as this can cause dental fracture.

If you have any questions about keeping your senior dog healthy, happy and comfortable; don't hesitate to reach out to one of Pet Direct's Customer Service Experts on 0800 200 240.

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