All you need to take care of senior dogs: The Ultimate Checklist

At different ages, dogs have different requirements. Although there can’t be a particular age when you start calling a dog old. It will vary from one dog to another. But as they get older, they are not as active as they used to be. Because of this, everything from their diet to physical activity and even vet visits needs to be revised. 

If you have a senior dog, this checklist will come in handy.

1. Visit the vet once every six months

Regular checkups with the vet are a must with a senior dog. This will help in the early detection of any underlying disease. Some breeds are prone to ailments like hip dysplasia, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. If detected, these can be taken care of.

2. Take care of their oral health

Decayed/ broken/ cracked teeth can be a source of pain for your dog. It will also make chewing a problem. So make sure that you brush their teeth every day with a dog toothpaste and toothbrush. Additionally, you can also give them dental treats.

3. Give them an age-appropriate diet

Since a senior dog will not be as active as an adult one, the chances of obesity are more. Consult a dog nutritionist or a vet to decide on a diet for your dog. This will ideally be low in fat and high in fiber. You can also add supplements to their diet after consultation with your vet or nutritionist.

Check out our nutrition plans to know more. 

4. Maintain a routine for regular exercise

Regular exercising will on the one hand help in maintaining an ideal weight for your dog, and on the other, it will also improve his overall health. Take him out for short walks or jogs. When you do that, notice his breathing and gait, and make sure he is not in discomfort.

5. Keep their mind stimulated

Along with physical exercise, mental stimulation is also important for a senior dog. Keep his mind active through things like puzzle toys, playing hide and seek, or scavenger hunt. This will ensure that his cognitive abilities stay in shape.

6. Focus a little more on grooming than before

As your dog ages, his fur and skin will undergo change. The hair can become drier and the skin can become irritated and flaky. So make sure that you brush the fur regularly to avoid any mats and tangles, and use a shampoo that also nourishes their skin.

7. Modify your accommodations according to the dog

As a dog ages, problems with bones become common. To avoid any problems that your dog may face, you can (1)get him a ramp so that he doesn’t have to climb stairs and getting in the car or on the bed becomes easy, (2) place the food and water bowl at a place where he can reach them, (3) get a warm and soft bed which will give relaxation to his joints.

Now, make a checklist of all the things that you need to do and set up all the reminders on the Sploot app right away!