How to keep my senior dog healthy

When we first brought the dog home, its lively appearance and vigorous vitality injected endless joy into our lives. As time passes mercilessly, the once energetic little guy has entered its old age. Its movements are sluggish, and its eyes are no longer bright. They are the most loyal companions in our lives, giving us unconditional love and company. Now that they are getting older, it has become our unshirkable responsibility to safeguard their health.

As dogs enter old age, their physical functions decline sharply, and their health faces many challenges. In terms of bones and joints, the probability of suffering from arthritis increases significantly. Elderly dogs with the disease are often stiff in movement, reluctant to walk, and endure great pain when going up and down stairs. The digestive system is also much worse than before. The intestinal peristalsis slows down, and the secretion of digestive enzymes decreases, leading to poor digestion and absorption of food, and frequent problems such as constipation or diarrhea. The heart function also gradually weakens, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases. During daily activities, they may experience shortness of breath and fatigue easily. In the face of these changes, we must take care of senior dogs in an all-round and multi-dimensional way to escort their health.

A scientific and reasonable diet is the key to ensuring the health of senior dogs. Since the digestive ability of senior dogs decreases, we need to select foods that are rich in nutrition and easy to digest. Give priority to dog food rich in high-quality animal protein. This kind of protein is more easily absorbed, which helps maintain muscle mass and delay muscle atrophy. At the same time, strictly control the fat content in the food to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

To relieve the joint pain of senior dogs, nutritional supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3 fatty acids can be added to the food. For example, there was a golden retriever that entered old age. Due to suffering from arthritis, it limped when walking. The owner added the corresponding nutritional supplements to its food. After a period of time, the dog's joint pain was relieved, and its mobility was significantly improved. In addition, senior dogs have a reduced sensitivity to thirst. We should ensure that they can always have access to fresh and clean water, and appropriately feed them wet food or homemade vegetable soup to replenish water.

Moderate exercise is crucial for the physical and mental health of senior dogs. However, the intensity and method of exercise should be tailored to their physical conditions. Accompany the senior dog for a 15 - 30-minute slow walk every day, which can not only promote blood circulation and exercise the muscles but also not make them too tired. If the senior dog has joint problems, swimming is an excellent way of exercise. The buoyancy of water can relieve joint pressure and achieve a full-body workout. But during the exercise, once the senior dog shows symptoms such as shortness of breath, abnormal gait, or reluctance to continue exercising, stop immediately and consult a veterinarian.

Regular physical examinations are an important means of detecting health problems in senior dogs at an early stage. It is recommended to take senior dogs to a pet hospital every six months for a comprehensive physical examination, including a complete blood count, biochemical examination, thyroid function test, abdominal ultrasound, and X-ray examination. Through these examinations, potential diseases can be detected in a timely manner, and time can be gained for subsequent treatment. There was once an elderly Pomeranian. The owner took it for regular physical examinations. During one examination, the doctor found abnormal kidney indicators through a biochemical examination and promptly formulated a treatment plan, which delayed the development of the disease. In addition, a veterinarian can also provide personalized health guidance based on the examination results to help us take better care of senior dogs.

In addition to physical health, the mental health of senior dogs should not be ignored. As they age, the vision and hearing of senior dogs gradually decline, and their ability to perceive the surrounding environment weakens, making them prone to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. We should give them more company. Through stroking, softly calling, and playing simple interactive games, let them feel loved. Create a quiet and comfortable living environment for senior dogs to reduce external interference. For example, prepare a soft dog bed for them and place it in a quiet corner to make them feel secure.

When we see that senior dogs are no longer as lively as before, we can't help but feel mixed emotions. But as long as we take good care of them with scientific methods, endless patience, and deep love, we can fill their later years with warmth and happiness. Every feeding, every walk, and every moment of company is our deep love for senior dogs.