How do you keep your older dog vital?
A young or an older dog, enjoying beautiful adventures together is the best thing there is. But how do you ensure that your older dog stays vital? And how do you notice that your dog is getting older? Pelle, Jacobien's dog is already getting older, time to dive into the world of the older dog.
How old is your dog actually?
The lifespan and duration of pets differs greatly from that of humans. This sometimes makes it more difficult to estimate how old our pets really are. It is often said that every dog year counts for 7 human years, but that is not entirely true. The breed, but also lifestyle, behavior and size of the dog influence the age of the dog.
Did you know…?
- Do overweight pets have a shorter life expectancy?
- Do smaller dog breeds generally live longer than larger ones?
Curious about how old your dog is in human years? The table below will give you an idea!
What are the symptoms of an older dog?
- Your dog is a bit stiff or tense when getting up or after a nap
You probably recognize it, your dog gets up and really has to get going. An older dog often suffers from stiffness and you will also notice that a long walk becomes increasingly difficult. Note - stiffness can also be caused by arthritis/arthrosis which occurs in many dogs over 8 years old. If you think that your dog is very stiff, definitely visit a vet.
If your dog is already old, make sure he gets enough exercise. Experts advise that you walk your older dog for an average of 30 to 60 minutes. To prevent your dog from getting exhausted after one walk, it is better to take him for a shorter walk more often. Make sure he can recover sufficiently after each walk in a safe and quiet place in the house. You can also challenge your dog with fun detective work or with a food puzzle at home.
- Your dog's hearing is deteriorating
A clear sign of an older dog is the loss of hearing to some extent. It is always difficult to determine whether your dog has really gone deaf or is just suffering from selective hearing. He sometimes seems to hear that cookie jar very well 😉.
If your dog's hearing has decreased, it can be nice to no longer let your dog run loose. A longer leash can then offer a solution. Your dog retains the freedom to sniff, but you always know for sure that he will listen to you if you want him to come back to you. You can also learn gestures together with your dog. Super fun to do and even if his hearing has decreased significantly, you can continue to communicate with your dog.
- Dental problems and bad breath
Dental problems occur in all dogs, although they are more common in older dogs. Check your dog's teeth regularly. Healthy teeth consist of:
- Healthy gums
- Little to no plaque and/or tartar
- No broken molars or teeth
- Fresh breath
If you notice that your dog's teeth need extra care, start brushing them, give your dog a rope or rubber toy that helps clean the teeth and use Omega 3 in his food to support healthy teeth. If the teeth are in very bad shape, make an appointment with the vet who can support you with cleaning your dog's teeth.
Bad breath in your dog can also be a sign of reduced kidney and/or liver function. Bad breath is often accompanied by a lot of drinking & peeing and a dull coat. Use supplements to make these functions work better. If you are worried about your dog, always visit a veterinarian.
- Forgetfulness or dementia in your dog
Just like humans, dogs can also develop dementia. Dementia in dogs is officially called 'canine cognitive dysfunction' but is also called CCD. Symptoms include forgetfulness, anxiety, behavioral changes such as excessive barking, and changes in sleep-wake patterns. Developing CCD is definitely a sign that your dog has reached his final years. If you are concerned about your dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Many dogs benefit from treatment with brain-boosting supplements. You can also keep your dog's brain active by playing games and giving food puzzles.
- Your dog gains or loses weight faster
An older dog has different nutritional needs. One of the signs that your dog is getting older is that his metabolism slows down, making it easier for him to gain weight and start storing fat at the expense of muscle. Conversely, older dogs may have a reduced appetite and be less efficient in digestion, causing them to lose weight. That is why special nutrition is often considered for older dogs. A pet shop can help you find the right food for your dog.
- Your dog is turning gray
Many dogs with dark coats turn gray as they age. This usually begins around the muzzle, but can also occur on the chest, neck, back, or legs.
Going gray is completely normal in dogs and is nothing to worry about. Enjoy and show off those gray hairs.
What can you do to keep your dog healthy as it ages?
At any age, it is important to keep a close eye on your dog. As the owner, you know best how your dog is doing. In addition, it is wise to have your dog checked annually by a veterinarian. They check everything from coat, teeth, eyes, ears to weight, heart rate, temperature and general health. If necessary, they can also check for the correct vaccinations.
You can also pay close attention to the way your dog moves, eats and sleeps, his coat, teeth and how much he drinks and urinates.
In addition, there are a number of things you can do to support an older dog:
- Customized nutrition
For an older dog it is important that the food is less fat and contains fewer carbohydrates and more fibers and good proteins. Fibers are good for the intestines and the proteins ensure that the body absorbs the nutrients faster in the body.
- Staying active with your dog in an adapted way
An older dog will often be less active than a younger dog. This does not mean that you can do less with your older dog. Take shorter walks more often, play tracking games with your dog or give your dog a food puzzle. You can also teach your dog new gestures so that he still understands you when his hearing decreases.
You can also support your older dog with a ramp so that he can get on or off more easily and provide your dog with a good collar & longer leash so that he can maintain his freedom.
- Providing your dog with supplements to support his health
If you start taking supplements in time, there is a chance to prevent ailments. Supplements can also help with old age ailments. Such as supporting the brain, teeth and joints and/or maintaining muscle mass. We are fans of the supplements from puurnatuur.nl that are all made on the basis of natural ingredients.
Some of our favorites for older dogs include:
Against confusion
Joint support
Healthy teeth
Conclusion
Even with an old dog, you can have many adventures. You can recognize the age of your dog by many things and you can support your dog in various ways. Ultimately, you are the one who knows your dog best. Although changes are inevitable as you get older, it is best to go to the vet if you are worried about changes. Above all, enjoy that sweet gray face.