Counting a dogs life with human years, seems like he grows old and becomes a ‘senior’ very shortly. What we have to keep in mind that just 7 human years mean 50 for a dog. The most important thing that dog owners have to keep in mind is that just because your dog might have entered in that age, where is considered elderly, does not mean that he has finished his cycle of life.
When a dog enters in his senior years is considered like the 40 year old faze in human years. Is exactly the period when they feel reenergized and revitalized. They are capable of learning new routines and basically feel young again.
Below is a guide that will help you make your dog feel younger and like nothing has changed. Follow the steps we introduce to you through this article and your dog will thank you.
#1 At times it might be hard to just recognize that your little pup has grown up and is entering in his senior years. Dog start aging between 6-10 years old. Their sleep patterns change, they like to stay more indoors and just slow down. If you have noticed these signs it would be in your dogs best interest to change his/her daily schedule for a healthier, stronger and happier dog.
#2 Nutrition is the key to help your dog maintain his vitality and energy levels high. Not all dogs are build the same, meaning that your dogs nutritional needs might differ from another ones. For that reason consulting with the vet is a must, and together you could build the perfect diet for your loving dog.
#3 Although it is true that senior dogs are slower and show lowered levels of energy, that does not mean that you should stop playing with him all together because he is old now. Mental stimulation is as crucial as nutrition for aging dogs. You could go on slow dog walks together or even a swimming together.
#4 Dogs in U.S.A lately have shown increased cases of obesity. About 52% of them are considered overweight. That is why, keeping your dog fit and constantly moving is crucial.
#5 Teach them new routines that will give them a new life purpose. At this stage your dogs yearns for something new. Continue doing mental stimulation with him on a regular basis by taking him on dog parks where he can interact with other dogs or even human interaction is helpful. Dogs live to serve us, they want to be needed, to help will something. So give him that pleasure with any kind of routine or task that rewards him after.
#6 The quality of your dogs life in this stage depends almost completely on the daily routine you lay our for him. It is difficult for senior dogs to do cognitive function without getting confused or stressed out. So having a routine with predictable activities will reduce your dogs anxiety and uncertainty.
#7 Try to keep their oral health as healthy and plaque or tartar free. Because leaving them untreated will lead to infection that will attract more bacteria and cause irreversible periodontal disease.
#8 Older dogs have a harder time getting comfortable sleeping on the floor like they used to before. Just like older people they get affected from disease like arthritic. Give your dog the pleasure of sleeping on the bed with you. Despite physical comfort doing that will provide emotional security as well.
