Have you noticed your canine pal showing signs of age recently? Perhaps Fido is starting to slow down a little. Or maybe you’ve spotted grey in his muzzle, or realized that he isn’t as playful as he once was. As dogs age, they go through many of the same kinds of changes as we will as we get older. At this point, you’ll want to start focusing more on keeping your canine buddy comfortable, and less on keeping him out of mischief. A local Bayfield County WI veterinarian offers some insight on this below.

Make Sure Your Older Dog Has A Good Bed

This is important for all dogs, but it’s particularly critical for seniors. Fido won’t sleep very comfortably on a thin pad! A smooshed bed won’t offer much cushion for his old bones, and won’t offer any insulation from chilly floors.

We generally advise getting orthopedic beds for seniors, as they offer extra support. It’s not a bad idea to get something you can put both a washable cover and a waterproof liner on, just in case your pooch has any accidents.  

If you have a large house and/or multiple floors, you may want to offer Fido a few beds. That way, he’ll be able to nap comfortably no matter what part of the house he’s in.

Keep Up With Pawdicures

Nail trims are more important than many people realize. Overgrown nails are quite uncomfortable for Man’s Best Friend. They can also cause other issues. For one thing, they will interfere with the angle of your pet’s toes against the ground. Your canine buddy may shift his weight and stride to compensate. That can definitely exacerbate bone/joint issues, such as arthritis.  Long nails also make it hard for dogs to get good traction, which in turn increases the chance that your furry bestie could slip and fall.

Feed Fido A Proper Diet

Any good pet care regimen starts with a foundation of great nutrition. Your canine pal may need fewer calories than he once did. However, this isn’t universal: some pups actually need to eat more. You’ll want to talk to your vet about this. Also, ask for advice on when to change over to a senior-formula food. This should be done slowly, over the course of several days.

It’s also worth noting that Fido may not do well with greasy snacks. Rich treats, like bacon and sausage, may upset his furry belly. Don’t go overboard with fatty treats!

Don’t Forget About Doggy Dental Care

Did you know that dental issues are very prevalent in older pooches? If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how excruciating they can be. Keeping Fido’s teeth clean and healthy can help prevent painful problems.

Keep an eye out for warning signs. These include bad breath, bleeding gums, excessive drool, tartar buildup, and changes in playing or eating habits. Contact your veterinary clinic right away if you spot anything amiss.

Check In With Your Bayfield County WI Veterinarians Regularly

Regular veterinary care is crucial! Exams and screenings can often detect issues before symptoms become obvious. It’s always good when something is diagnosed and treated early. While some medical issues cannot be cured, many can be managed. Staying on top of your pet’s appointments is the best way to prevent and reduce pain and discomfort.

Ask your veterinarian to recommend an appointment schedule.

Watch For Signs Of Illness

Fido has been our furry best friend for thousands of years. While we’ve gotten to know him pretty well, there’s still a lot of room for miscommunication. After all, your pet can’t tell you if something is hurting him. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs that something is amiss.

Here are some of the most common ones to look for: 

• Breathing Difficulties (Rasping, wheezing, heavy panting)
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty urinating
• Weight loss
• Change in behaviour
• Disorientation
• Lethargy
• Fur loss
• Pale gums
• Lameness
• Anxiety
• Vomiting
• Loss Of Appetite
• Cloudy pupils
• Sleep changes
• Changes In Vocalization
• Weight gain or Loss
• Aggression
• Bad breath
• Bloody gums
• Cough
• Difficulty defecating

Contact your Bayfield County WI animal clinic right away if you notice any of these things.

Don’t Skip Grooming

Your cute pet probably won’t become any more fond of baths as he ages. However, he will always feel better with a clean, well-groomed coat. You may want to consider taking your canine companion to a groomer: they have stations that are easy for older dogs to get in and out of.

Give Your Canine Pal A Hand

Your furry friend may have a harder time getting on and off the bed and sofa these days (assuming he’s allowed). Getting in and out of cars may also become difficult for him. Help Fido out by getting him some pet ramps or stairs. If your pooch has issues with his vision or hearing, ask your vet for tips on making your place more comfortable and functional for him. 

Choose Senior-Friendly Toys

Playing will still be fun and beneficial for Fido, but you’ll want to slowly adjust the types of games you and your furry friend play. Puppies need lots of high-energy games to help them burn off their zoomies. For older dogs, the key is providing enrichment. Focus on games and toys that provide mental stimulation.

Here are a few options:

• Puzzle Toys
• Snuffle Mats
• Hide And Seek
• Scavenger Hunts
• Trick Training
• Three Cups Game (but with a treat)

Fido may still enjoy chasing after or chewing on toys. Just pick things that are soft on his mouth. If your furry pal has hearing or vision issues, go for things that light up or make noise: they’ll be easier for him to track. If you’re tossing a tennis ball or something for him, just make sure he isn’t overexerting himself.

Be Mindful Of Temperature Changes

Older dogs are more sensitive to extreme weather than their younger counterparts. Fido will get cold more easily in winter, and he won’t be able to tolerate the heat very well in summer.

Grooming can help with this, but you’ll also want to take a few extra precautions. Set out extra water dishes in summer, and keep Fido in rooms cooled by fans or AC when it’s really hot. In winter, make sure that your furry bestie has warm, cozy bed to snuggle up in. Fido’s bed shouldn’t be in a drafty area. If your pet has thin fur, he may need a jacket to keep him warm in winter.

Make Sure Fido Feels Loved

Your pet’s mental and emotional well-being are also very important. 

This can be a bittersweet time. It’s hard realizing that the time you have with your furry best buddy is winding down. However, you may find that your four-legged friend somehow becomes even cuter and more lovable in his golden years. 

Older dogs tend to have very calm and sweet dispositions. You probably won’t have to worry about Fido pulling the leash out of your hand if he spots a squirrel, or come home to find that he’s chewed up your new pillow. In fact, you may really enjoy this special time. Pay lots of attention to your canine friend, and make sure that he knows he is loved. You may find that you really enjoy taking a slow stroll with your pup. Fido will also never outgrow his love of belly rubs. Keep that tail going!

 Visit Your Bayfield County WI Veterinary Clinic 

 Do you have questions about caring for a senior dog? Please feel free to contact us, your pet hospital, anytime. As your local Bayfield County WI pet hospital, we are here to help!