OLD DOG, NEW DIGS
In the same way that humans have different needs as they age, dogs also need certain adaptions to their lifestyle and environment to keep them comfortable as they enter their senior years.
It’s important to keep an eye out for senior dog health conditions, such as arthritis and canine cognitive dysfunction (dog dementia), so that you can adjust things accordingly. Simple changes, focused on making their lifestyle more joint and brain friendly, can make a world of difference to their quality of life, comfort, and overall health.
Just as you would expect the home of an elderly person to look quite different to that of a young person, the home of an elderly dog needs to be set up to meet their changing needs.
DIET
When it comes to food, the focus should be less on what to feed your dog and more on how much and how to serve it. While a diet appropriate for their life stage is important, maintaining a healthy weight has the most significant impact on your senior dog’s health. Keeping your dog trim is crucial, as excess weight greatly increases the risk of joint disease and other health issues.
If your dog needs to lose weight, this can be challenging. Accurate food measurement, reducing treats, and speaking to us are effective strategies.
It’s also important to consider your dog’s comfort and engagement when feeding. A raised feeder can make eating easier for older dogs. Using puzzle feeders or scatter feeding, where food is spread out for your dog to find, can enhance their engagement with eating and stimulate their brain. Over time you can increase or decrease the difficulty of the ‘challenge’ to meet their capability without causing frustration.
ACCESS
Access can involve enabling safe entry or restricting access to dangerous areas. In cases where stairs are steep, it might be best to prevent access entirely. Using a baby gate can prevent falls and offer peace of mind.
Slippery surfaces, such as laminate or tile floors, pose a significant challenge for dogs with arthritis. Even minor slips can cause microtrauma to their joints, leading to cumulative damage. Consider using rugs and runners to provide traction and protect their joints.
Providing ramps or steps to elevated areas like car boots allows your dog to enter and exit safely, reducing the need for jumping. Jumping exerts extra pressure on joints, which can result in damage and pain.
Additionally, older dogs, especially those with dementia, may struggle when furniture and other items are rearranged. Keeping their environment consistent and ensuring clear pathways between spaces can help. Getting down to their level and having a look around can be eye-opening and might help you spot some ways you could make their life a little easier.
SLEEP
Try to keep their bed in the same place, where it is warm and calm. Opt for a bed with a non-slip base and medium-firm foam, ensuring easy and safe access. Establishing a bedtime routine that includes a toilet trip can help them wind down for the night. Monitoring your dog’s sleep patterns is also beneficial; any changes could indicate pain or be a sign of dementia, so it’s important to discuss these changes with us.
An orthopedic bed (designed to relieve pressure on their joints) can greatly improve sleep quality. Good sleep has been shown to not only help with general well-being, but to also help prevent ‘hypersensitisation’, an increase in the feeling of pain without changes to the cause of pain.
EXERCISE
Exercise is crucial for both physical and mental health, but excessive activity can be harmful to older dogs. Keep exercise sessions short and regular, avoiding large increases in activity on weekends. Although fun, the abrupt twists, turns, and stops involved in ball chasing are detrimental to joint health. Instead, opt for calmer games and retire the ball thrower.
When walking, a harness that supports the chest is preferable to a collar for older dogs. Pay attention to changes in step length, speed, and gait, as these can indicate pain. If you notice any changes in how your dog walks, have them checked by a vet.
For dogs with arthritis, physical therapy and hydrotherapy can help build muscle tone and support joints. Consult us for advice on the best therapies for your dog, as the type and duration of exercise should be tailored to their specific condition.
As much as you may wish to deny that your pup is getting older, once your dog starts showing signs of age-related health issues, they can be considered a senior dog, regardless of their true age.
Taking the time to make your home ‘senior-friendly’ is one of the best things you can do for your older dog. Along with regular health check-ups, and plenty of love, giving them a safe space helps ensure they have the happiest of lives.
