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Golden Years Unleashed

Divya Tanith Gives You the Low-Down on Cherished Phase of Senior Dogs’ Lives.

You walk in through the door, and it hits you that your hyperactive fur baby hasn’t greeted you yet. A wagging tail slowly comes by, looks at you with those loving eyes, and the grey is now starting to show. And just like that, you realise your dog is closer than you think on the way to becoming a senior dog. It’s not a bad thing for pet parents; it’s yet another beautiful, cherished phase of their lives. It’s time for you to prep for a beautiful third inning for your senior dog! Let’s get into it, shall we? But first, let’s understand the term more…

At what age will my dog be a senior dog?

We know you’ve heard the popular 1:7 ratio of human vs dog years. Well, it’s not entirely true. Dogs age differently based on various factors such as breed size. Like humans, the kind of life you’ve lived plays a role in how you age. Generally, smaller breeds age slower than larger breeds. An estimated guide can be as follows:

Common Changes to Expect In My Senior Dogs?

When your dog approaches senior years, it’s important that they won’t have the same energy levels or health as before. Adapting your and their lifestyle to meet the aging needs is important. Walks might take longer, chilly weather may beat them down, and walking up the stairs could be tricky. Some patience and love goes a long way. Here are some common changes you can expect:

Reduced Energy Levels: Less enthusiasm for physical activities.

Joint Stiffness or Arthritis: Difficulty climbing stairs or walking.

Vision and Hearing Decline: Difficulty responding to commands or navigating.

Weight Changes: You may gain or lose weight due to changes in metabolism

Dental Problems: Increased risk of gum disease or tooth loss.

Behavioral Shifts: More sleep, occasional confusion, or reduced interest in play.

Chronic Health Issues: Conditions like kidney disease, heart problems or diabetes.

Common Health Ailments in Senior Dogs to Watch Out For?

If your dog has existing health ailments, ensure you keep a closer check on them. Besides that, some common ailments include general joint pains, stiffness or arthritis. It can result in decreased mobility over time. Dental issues such as infections, tooth loss and general discomfort may reduce appetite.

Kidney and heart diseases are common in dogs; symptoms to watch out for include lethargy, appetite loss, coughing, and fatigue over time. Dementia and disorientation are also common in senior dogs. Other ailments include diabetes, hearing and vision loss, obesity and cancer. Regular vet check-ups and regular physical and mental stimulation are important factors in maintaining good health.

Mindful Food Habits for Senior Dogs

Dogs, too, begin losing muscle mass as they age, making mobility a challenge. A diet that has higher protein content and low fat can go a long way in maintaining good health. In general, add fibre elements into their meals to support digestion. In addition, maintaining an overall caloric balance is crucial for senior dogs; no more experimenting with leftover food. Supplements of omega-3, calcium, and vitamins can all be taken upon consultation with the vet. And, of course, nothing can replace freshwater as a key element in their overall health.

Senior Dog Adoption: Yes or No?

Senior dog adoption is a beautiful way of bringing a fur baby into your life. They are easy to handle as they are calmer, and their feisty years are behind them. Contrary to popular belief, you can also train them very well. So, if you have been considering bringing a dog into your home, rest assured it will be a blissful pet parenting journey. People often wonder if they can bring a puppy into a home with a senior dog. Yes, under the right circumstances, introduction and training, they can coexist beautifully.