Your FREE E-book on Pet Longevity is waiting.
FIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR OLDER DOG
As dogs age, their needs change, and we must adjust our care to ensure their health and comfort. While you can’t turn back the clock or take back the choices that may have inadvertently accelerated your dog’s aging process (e.g., over-vaccination, high-impact exercise, or unchecked obesity), you can still positively impact your dog’s present comfort, happiness, and well-being.
HERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR OLDER DOG… EASILY.
1: Enhance their health with supplements
While your dog’s diet will be their primary nutrient source—especially if it’s made with fresh, highly bioavailable ingredients—supplements can enhance their diet and provide tailored support for specific health conditions or body systems. For senior dogs, the critical focus for supplementation should be reducing inflammation—which will benefit the entire body—and promoting comfortable mobility. Ideal supplements include those that contain natural anti-inflammatories, such as curcumin, cannabidiol (CBD), and omega-3 fatty acids, or undenatured collagen Type II (UC-II).
2: Feed your dog the highest-quality diet possible
Your dog’s diet strongly influences their lifelong health, and should always be chosen with care and attention. As dogs age, their body systems (e.g., gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, integument [i.e., skin and coat], and immune systems) can change related to wear and tear, making them vulnerable to dysfunction and disease. Instead of feeding your dog to simply satisfy their appetite, consider feeding them to satisfy their health. The ideal senior diet will vary by individual dog, but should be properly balanced, free from pro-inflammatory ingredients, and feature healthy meat-based protein sources.
If your senior dog is overweight, work with your veterinarian to determine proper meal portions, identify and eliminate unnecessary calories, and help your dog lose weight safely. Keeping your dog lean and fit is one of the single best ways to help them live longer.
3: Help your senior dog’s pain
Chronic pain limits more than your dog’s mobility—it can trigger a ripple effect of changes that affect your dog’s overall health and quality of life. Persistent pain heightens their sensitivity to pain and creates inflammation that, together, force a cycle of inescapable and progressive discomfort.
If you notice your senior dog’s mobility or behavior has changed, don’t accept this as “normal aging” or “old dog problems.” Work with your veterinarian to determine its cause and find a solution, such as medication (e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatories [NSAIDs]), proven supplements like UC-II, pain-relieving therapies (e.g., laser therapy, acupuncture, massage), lifestyle changes, or a combination.
4: Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation
Your senior dog may sleep more than they used to, but this should never be their only activity. Regular low-impact exercise and mentally stimulating enrichment can help your senior dog preserve their physical and cognitive abilities and potentially ward off age-related decline (e.g., muscle atrophy, cognitive dysfunction syndrome).
While classic dog activities, such as fetching a ball or roughhousing in the backyard, are out of the question, many new and interesting ways combine fun and exercise in safe and engaging ways, such as:
- Leash walks — Short, moderate-pace walks support healthy muscles and cardiovascular fitness. Avoid walking in extreme temperatures and monitor your dog for fatigue and pain.
- Swimming — Water provides buoyancy and resistance in a low-impact environment. Always supervise your dog while swimming and ensure they wear a life jacket.
- Hydrotherapy — Hydrotherapy (i.e., underwater treadmill) combines water’s therapeutic properties with the support of a motorized treadmill belt. Consult a rehabilitation-certified veterinarian for guidance.
- Nose work games — Senior dogs’ sight or hearing may decline, but their olfactory ability will remain strong. Sniffing is a naturally reinforcing activity for dogs and promotes critical thinking. Look online for nose work tutorials and fun at-home games for your dog.
- Enrichment or puzzle toys — Treat-dispensing toys can be a great way to promote critical thinking and encourage slower eating. Start with beginner-level toys to ensure your dog is successful—not stressed.
- Trick training — Old dogs can learn new tricks! Better yet, those tricks can form new neural pathways in their minds and promote better coordination and balance. Start with simple tricks that engage mind and body, such as “Shake” or “Bow,” be mindful of your dog’s limitations, and remember to encourage and praise.
5: Modify your senior dog’s environment to protect them.
Your home is your senior dog’s whole world. Unfortunately, age-related changes, such as joint pain, vision or hearing loss, cognitive dysfunction, and illness can make them nervous or unsure in their previously familiar and comfortable surroundings. Make your home senior dog-friendly by addressing common household challenges, such as:
- Slick floors — Cover hardwood and tile floors with runners, yoga mats, or a similar grippy surface to protect your dog from slips and falls and ensure they can access common areas in the home.
- Elevated locations — Help your dog access elevated areas, such as furniture and vehicles, by installing temporary or permanent pet ramps.
- Stairs — Stairs can challenge your dog’s balance, range of motion, and depth perception. Consider blocking stair access to prevent accidents, installing pet ramps over shorter staircases, or using a lift harness to support your dog going up or down stairs.
- Sleep areas — Orthopedic dog beds, low-sided beds, and cots can enhance support for your dog’s joints and make it easier for your dog to lie down and rise.
- Inaccessible resources — Think about the actions required for your dog to reach the things they need, and then look for ways to simplify their efforts. For example, if your dog has to bend down to reach their food and water, consider elevating the dishes with a raised feeder.
Some say that age is only a number, and while I agree with the sentiment, there are also undeniable physical changes that we must acknowledge if we’re going to appropriately support our senior dogs. With diligent care, thoughtful attention, and strategic choices, we can show our aging best friends the love they deserve and make their final years the best they can be.
For more information on how to support your senior pet’s health and effectively manage their pain, download our free ebook, How to Help Loved Pets Live Longer, or browse our supplement collection.