Aging is a normal part of life, and at some point all dogs will become seniors. As they age, they become less mobile, their hearing and sight aren't as good as they used to be, and they are more prone to diseases. However, all this is a part and parcel of life so here are some tips to dogs help your doggos spend their golden years healthy and happy. 

Dental Hygiene is Crucial

As your dog ages, dental care is particularly more important as they start developing teeth issues. This can happen even if they received the best dental care throughout their lives. To prevent painful dental diseases and decay from happening, regular brushing of their teeth or professional cleaning is needed. If your dog doesn’t enjoy having their teeth brushed, consider using dental treats or chew toys instead. 

Watch Their Diet

Switching up your senior dog’s diet can be a challenge as there are no guidelines on what they need to eat. Mature dogs often face food problems such as problems chewing, obesity, and digestive issues. The best way to find out if their food requires switching up would be to consult with your vet on the best diet and exercise plan for your aging dog. If your dog has liver or kidney problems, they may require a lower protein diet. Or if they suffer from joint pain, supplements such as fish oil or glucosamine can be added.

Stimulate Their Brain And Mind

Like humans, aging dogs also experience pain and have difficulties performing physical activities that they used to enjoy. However, regular exercise proves beneficial to their overall health and well-being. Start slow and build their stamina by taking them on short, gentle walks. Keep track of their breathing and way of walking to make sure nothing is amiss. Don’t miss out on their mental health as well. Your dog’s brain need plenty of exercise too. Try stimulaing toys such as food puzzles to keep them sharp!

“Seniorize” Your Home

Just like you once puppy-proofed your home when you dog was a little puppy, you now need to provide your older dog with special accommodations. If your dog is unable to jump up and down like it used to, investing in a ramp can ease the stress on your pet’s joints and allow them to get back to normal life. For doggos with vision or hearing loss, you can make things easier for them by keeping your house as consistent as possible. Placed their water and food bowl at a fixed areas and avoid moving things around such as rearranging your furniture. 

Grooming is Still Essential

Should senior dogs still see the groomer? The answer is unabatedly yes! Getting your senior dog groomed regularly is vital, it’s no less important than regular exercise and nutrition. Schedule regular grooming to keep issues like tangled fur in check and also an opportunity to check for age-related health problems. You may be surprised how many professional groomers have noticed lumps or growths on a dog they groom regularly.

If you’re going to work with grooming professionals, work with the best. Book your grooming session with us at Pet Master today where your pooch will receive the best care. For our grooming price list, click here.

Pamper Your Pooch

Treat your doggo to some TLC with spa treatments! Reboost and refresh your doggo’s coat with Pet Master’s spa treatment which brings back moisture and shine to their coat while leaving them with a heavenly scent. Or if they have dry, flaky skin, treat them to our Mud bath which removes dry and dead skin, leaving behind soft skin. Pet Master is more than happy to pamper your old man or lady with lavish spa treatments that will make them look and feel younger. No one’s too old to be pampered!

For our spa treatment price list, click here.

Pay Attention

It is very important to monitor any changes in your senior dog’s behaviour, appetite, weight and dental health. Check for any lumps, bumps or lesions. Alert your vet if you notice any of these signs. As your dog ages, their immune system becomes weaker, which makes them more prone to all sorts of ailments. If possible, take them for a regular vet checkup once every six months. 

While taking care of an older dog may require a little more work as they slowly age, this is the natural process of things and every pet owner should be prepared for it. Treat your dog like your best friend, deserving of your love and attention every single day. Your dog has been good to you (and for you) for years—now’s the time to return the favor!