How to Help your Aging Dog Live their Best Life

As your dog ages, it is important to know that they will not have as much energy. You may also find that they go on to develop hearing problems, cataracts and more. They are also at risk for kidney disease and diabetes too. You have to remember that not all dogs are considered to be senior at the same age, and it all depends on your breed. If you want to take care of your dog as they age, then this guide will help you.

Give them a Good Diet

Believe it or not, a balanced diet will play a huge role in you making sure that your dog’s health is a priority. Older dogs tend to be at a much higher risk of things like obesity and it is because they do not have the same energy levels as they once did. It’s vital that you take the time to find the best dog food for them so that you can stop weight gain where possible. Good foods tend to be low in fat and they have a lot less calories too. You may even find that a lot of Walmart pet food is suitable and that you do not have to spend a lot of money to give your dog a healthy diet.

Exercise

Regular exercise will help your dog a lot when it comes to them maintaining their ideal weight, and it will also have a huge impact on their health overall. You need to talk to your vet if possible and you need to ask them if they can give you a recommended program for your dog. You do not want to push them too much at first because if you do, then you may find that you end up overdoing it with them. This is the last thing that you need, so take your time, build it slowly and make sure that they are happy.

Regular Check-ups

Vet care is essential if you want to take care of your older dog. As your dog grows older, you may find that their immune system weakens and this makes them way more prone to ailments. This is why it is recommended that you take your dog for check-ups every six months or so. This will help your vet to figure out if something is wrong so they can give you the best possible course of treatment.

Oral Health

A lot of dogs do not get the right level of dental care, especially when they get to their adult life. It is not uncommon to see older dogs who have a couple of missing teeth. If you want to help your dog here, then you have to make sure that you give their teeth a good brush when you groom them. You also need to make sure that you bath them regularly as well as this will help to keep their coat shiny, and it will also help them to shed as well, and this is essential with bigger breeds who have a lot of grooming requirements.