Monthly Archives: September 2020

animal & pets, Pet health

Dog Years: How to Tell When Your Dog is Aging

Some dogs age faster than others. This all depends on the size and breed of your dog. Typically, larger breeds of dogs age faster (around 7 years), while smaller dogs age slower. Whether your dog is big or small, they will eventually age and may start showing signs of old-age. It is a good idea to know what to look for when this time rolls around, so that you can take the best care of your beloved pet.

No one knows your dog more than you, so if you notice a few different changes in your dog, especially if they are older, this can mean that he is showing age-related symptoms. The quicker you identify these symptoms, the more promptly you can address them and cater to your pet’s needs.

Your Aging Dog May Not Be Ignoring You

You may notice that your dog does not come to you when you call him like he used to do. Last week everything seemed okay, but now your dog isn’t even looking in your direction when you say his name. Sadly, this is one of the many signs of aging in older dogs. Hearing loss may start to progress slowly, eventually leading to hearing loss in dogs.

What to Do For Hearing Loss in Aging Dogs

If you notice that your dog is not hearing you like he used to in the past, after making sure that there is no fixable issues, this is the time to start teaching your dog sign language. Hand signal training can help you to continue communicating with your older pet more easily.

Vision Loss in Older Dogs

Hearing and sight goes together, so as your dog gets older, you may also notice that he is not seeing as clearly as before. Your dog may develop cataracts or other types of vision loss. One way to tell if your pet is not seeing clearly, is if they are bumping into things frequently or when you are feeding them, they don’t seem to see the feeding bowl that’s right in front of them.

Older Dogs and Memory Loss

Just as humans, dogs can also experience foggy memory or memory loss as they get older. For example, if your dog is trained to follow commands such as stay or fetch or other house rules, then suddenly he doesn’t respond to these commands, he may be experiencing memory loss.

Older Dogs Forgetting Potty Training Rules

You may also notice that although your dog is potty trained, he is frequently having accidents. Incontinence in dogs as they get older is also a common symptom. It is best to check with your vet to get an evaluation and treatment if necessary. Early intervention can prevent further issues or detect urinary tract infections.

Keeping Your Senior Age Dog Warm 

Senior dogs may need more warmth as they progress in age. Keeping them warm is not only comfy but also helps to alleviate arthritis pain. Make sure that you give your dog a warm cozy bed to help regulate his body temperature.

Heating pads are also great to help keep your aging dog warm, especially in the cold winter months. Get one that has an auto shut off feature that you can set for a certain amount of time. A good pet heating pad also has a temperature sensor to prevent overheating.

You are your dog’s keeper and he depends on you to be there for him in his golden years. Aging dogs can be just as fun as younger dogs. You just have to know how to adjust to accommodate the little hiccups that comes with aging.

animal & pets

Endless Memories: How to Make Your Old Dog Happy

You have build years of memories with your dog and now age is catching up with him. Sad to say, but nothing last forever, even your beloved pet. Since time is dwindling away, you have to come up with some ideas of how you can make your old dog happy.

Healthy Eating for Older Dogs

As your dog gets older, it is important that you watch the type of food that you feed him. As pets age, you may need to change their diet to one that is more suitable for their aging body. Choose foods that won’t increase weight. Instead, you should choose foods that will help your dog maintain lean muscle.  Also, feed your pet high quality dog food that will digest easily.

Keeping Older Dogs Active

Not because your dog is old means that he should not be active. This is when you want your dog to remain active and happy. You can continue to build endless memories by engaging in regular engaging activities that will keep your senior dog in a happy mood. You must also consider engaging in mental stimulating activities, as this is also a crucial part of your pet staying alert.

Sharpen Your Older Dog’s Memory

Try to make your activities exciting and interesting such as hiding treats in a specific location and sending your pet to find it by sniffing. Another way to keep your aging dog’s brain sharp is to buy an interactive dog puzzle. Your dog will try to figure out how to retrieve his treat from each dispensing compartment. This dog smart toy is also great for slowing down meal times to improve digestion.

Teach Your Old Dog New Tricks

Strengthen the bond and build new memories with your old buddy. You can help burn extra calories off your pet by playing some popular games such as hide-and-seek or chasing games. Another great idea for building endless memories with the old guy, is to take him on a camping trip.

Maintaining Joint Health for Senior Dogs

Joint health for older dogs is also important. Giving your pet the right joint supplement will help to reduce inflammation, which is quite common in dogs that are older. Giving your dog the right joint supplement will help to increase mobility and keep your dog happy in his senior years.

Making Life An Adventure for Old Dogs

As you go along your adventures with your beloved pet, take the hassle out of getting in and out of your vehicle, especially if it’s a larger vehicle such as a SUV. Use a sturdy portable pet ramp that will accommodate your dog’s weight.  Your pet will thank you for the extra help and enjoy those frequent road trips.

Visiting the Vet for Aging Dogs

Keeping up with your pet’s health by bringing him to his regular vet visits. Regular check-ups will help keep your aging dog happy and in good health. Older pets can develop similar health issues as humans as they age. You should also keep an eye on your pet to notice any changes in behavior or appearance.

Live Life With Your Aging Dog to the Fullest

Overall, spend as much time as you can with your elderly dog. You will cherish these moments years to come. One of the best gifts of all is to see your aging dog happy until the end. Take lots of pictures and videos to remind you of those precious moments you both shared.