Caring for a senior dog is more than just a responsibility; it's an opportunity to show love and appreciation to faithful companions who have been by your side for years. Your faithful companion has been with you through thick and thin, always there to greet you with wagging tails and unconditional love when you come home. They can sense when you're feeling down or unwell and will shower you with affection to make you feel better. Now it's your turn to show them love and care by giving them intentional senior dog care.
Make visits to the vet a priority when it comes to caring for a senior dog. As our furry friends age, they may require more attention and specific care. Therefore, it is important not to skip visits to the vet; in fact, it may be necessary to visit the vet more frequently. By establishing a relationship with a primary vet, they can become familiar with your elderly dog and their medical history. This will enable the vet to provide tailored care and address any potential health issues promptly. Prioritizing regular vet visits ensures elderly dog care is received with the necessary medical attention and support needed to support a healthy and comfortable life.
It is especially important to look out for signs of joint issues in senior dog care. Certain breeds, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels, are more prone to developing joint problems. When caring for older dogs, look for the following indications of joint problems:
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is essential to take your furry companion to the vet for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment. Be proactive and catch the signs of joint issues early when caring for a senior dog.
Weight management is another important area to attend to in senior dog care. You needn’t be too concerned about your dog’s weight unless s/he is becoming obese. Too much extra weight will lead to additional stress on their hearts and joints. In order to maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to cut back on food and limit treats while also providing opportunities for exercise.
Rapid weight loss in aging dogs demands medical attention promptly. Rapid weight loss is an underlying symptom of multiple health problems, such as cancer, dental diseases, or diabetes in elderly dogs. Consulting with a professional veterinarian is essential to ensuring the proper diagnosis and treatment for your beloved companion with rapid weight loss.
Prioritize regular exercise when caring for a senior dog. As dogs get older, their bodies naturally experience changes and may become more prone to joint issues. By engaging them in physical activities, we can help support their aging joints and ensure they have a better quality of life. It is important, however, to find a balance between keeping them active and not pushing their limits. Adjust the type and duration of exercise to what their mature bodies can comfortably handle. In order to ensure healthy muscles and a feeling of well-being for aging dogs, regular exercise is essential.
You have probably noticed that dog food is specially formulated to cater to different breeds, sizes and life stages, including puppies and senior dogs. The reason behind this is that different dogs have different nutritional requirements. For instance, aging dogs generally need 20% to 30% fewer calories compared to adult dogs. That's why dog food formulated for senior dog care contains kibbles with 50% of the calories derived from protein. This high protein content helps senior dogs retain their muscle mass and protein reserves. By putting your dog on a senior friendly diet, you are ensuring that they receive the appropriate nutrients to support their overall health and well-being in their golden years.
Caring for a senior dog requires special attention and consideration to ensure their comfort and well-being. As our dogs age, they may experience mobility issues, joint pain, and a decrease in overall body strength. To create a comfortable home environment for your senior dog, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Incorporate these elements into your home to ensure your senior dog feels comfortable and loved while promoting their overall happiness and well-being.
Most importantly, when caring for older dogs, lavish them with love. Caring for a senior dog requires spending lots of time with them and showing them how much of a blessing they are in your life. Remember, affection is not just something they want but something they need as well. It has numerous benefits, such as reducing stress, inducing sleep, and improving their mood. So, don't hesitate to shower your aging dog with love and attention. They deserve it, and you’ll surely be rewarded with their unwavering loyalty and companionship.
They deserve all the care and affection you can give. After all, they are our best friends, and they deserve nothing less.
Contact Us
Chipman Road Animal Clinic
211 NW Chipman Rd
Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Phone: 816-524-1886
Fax: 816-524-7523
Office Hours
Monday: 7am-6pm
Tuesday: 7am-6pm
Wednesday: 7am-6pm
Thursday: 7am-6pm
Friday: 7am-6pm
Saturday: 8am-12pm
Sunday: Closed
Doctor Hours
Monday: 8am-6pm
Tuesday: 8am-6pm
Wednesday: 8am-6pm
Thursday: 8am-6pm
Friday: 8am-6pm
Saturday: 8am-12pm
Sunday: Closed
For after-hour emergencies, please contact one of our recommended partners:
MO: Blue Pearl Animal Hospital - Open evenings and over night, call (816) 554-4990
KS: Mission Veterinary and Emergency - Open 24 hours, call (913) 722-5566
All Rights Reserved | Website Design by Digital Marketing Inc | Copyright