You might not like to think about your beloved dog getting older, but the truth is that it will happen, and it’s best to be prepared for when it does. That way, you can ensure you are taking the best care of them as they age.
Although some aging conditions can be breed-specific, other issues can occur no matter what breed of dog you have. Whatever their breed and age, read on to find out how you can help your dog as they age and ensure they live out their days in comfort.
Changing Food
There are said to be four stages that take place in all dogs’ lives. They are:
- Puppy
- Adolescence
- Adulthood
- Senior
At each of these stages, your dog’s needs and nutritional requirements will differ, which is why it’s a good idea to understand more about this variable and ensure they are getting the food they need to be as healthy as possible – no matter their age.
There are many differences in the types of food needed at each stage of life, but as an example, puppy food tends to be higher in calories, as the dog is very active at this age and they are growing. An older dog won’t need as many calories but will require additional vitamins and minerals which you can get from Perfect Poop to ensure their bones stay strong and their joints aren’t painful as they age.
More Space
The older your dog gets – to a certain point, at least – the more space they will need. A tiny puppy won’t need as much space as a full-grown dog. However, this will depend at least a little on the dog’s breed; some are larger (like German shepherds or labradors), and some are small (like terriers and pugs). The larger the dog, the more space he or she will need.
Of course, the more active a dog is, the more space they will need as well, regardless of their size. As your dog becomes a senior, they may not want to run around as much as they did, so their space needs might change. Whatever the case, it’s worth talking this through with dog experts to ensure you meet your particular pet’s needs. There are forums online, for example, perhaps dealing with your dog’s specific breed.
Health
Your dog might experience health problems throughout life; it’s not uncommon. As such, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for regular checkups and whenever they show any unusual behavior or symptoms.
Your vet, like the experts at Salt Water Animal Hospital, will be able to treat your dog, figure out what’s wrong if something comes up, and suggest treatments that might help your beloved pet.
Going to the vet isn’t just about preventing and treating illnesses or injuries, though. Your dog will also need vaccinations as a puppy as well as throughout life, including boosters. Also, older dogs might suffer problems with their joints, such as arthritis, hearing and vision issues, or maybe being overweight if they haven’t got the right food and level of exercise.
Lastly, some dog breeds are more likely to get sick than others, so you will need to research your dog’s breed and ensure you monitor them throughout their life and try to prevent any conditions they may be more prone to.
