Feeding your senior dog

Although slowing down a little is normal as we get older, changes in your dog’s health or personality can also be a sign of pain or illness. If in any doubt, talk to your vet. Common signs of aging include:

• Wanting to exercise less, and starting to put on weight

• Becoming friendlier and wanting to spend more time with you, or becoming a little grumpier

• Seeming anxious because they may not see or hear as well as they used to

• Appearing disorientated

• Changes in sleep pattern

1. Regular vet visits! Get down to your vet at least once a year to track their weight, make sure their teeth are ok and make sure everything is tickety-boo.

2. Cut the walks back. If your dog can cope with an hour, that’s fine. But shorter walks more frequently can be better for their joints.

3. Join supplements are key. Omega 3 and omega 6 are powerful anti-inflammatory for joints and are good for skin and general health as well.

Just like us humans, there are a few factors that can influence your dog’s health over time. Some of these are out of our hands—genetics, breeding factors, the individual dog, for instance. But there are a few important things you can do to help give them their best life.

Regular health checks are very important for all pets, especially older pets, to keep them in good condition and to help ensure that health problems are detected as early as possible. It’s a good idea to schedule in a routine visit to your vet every 6 months with your senior pooch, so that they can have a check over and you can ask any questions that you may have.

As well as helping to prevent and manage any disease, your vet is also a great source of advice. They can offer guidance on lifestyle changes for your senior pet, such as amends to diet and exercise, and can suggest any alterations at home to help keep them comfortable.

Around 7 or 8 years of age (depending on the breed), a dog’s dietary requirements may change—they may need food that is easier for them to digest and potentially fewer calories. However, it’s not as simple as just feeding your dog less – they actually need a different, more nutrient-dense food than the food they would usually eat in their younger years. Your senior dog may also benefit from having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Choosing a complete and balanced food that is specifically created for senior dogs is a great way to make sure your faithful friend is getting the nutrition they need.

Always ask your vet about changing your dog’s diet and make any changes gradually to avoid tummy upsets.

There are plenty of ways you can help your elderly dog lead an active, fun and fulfilling life full of walkies, stick collecting, puddles - you know, the good stuff.

Instead of taking them out on a long walk or a run, try shorter, more frequent walks that are easier for them to manage. Not only will this give your dog more outings to look forward to, as well as help maintain their weight, but it will also help prevent stiffness from sitting too long.

Who says, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” Not us. Use your wise woofer’s intelligence to teach them some new games or tricks that will help stimulate their mind and can be enjoyed with you. Using mental energy is a great way to help keep a dog occupied and content.

If your dog's vision is still good, try teaching them signals. This can also be a good back-up if they lose their hearing. Signals are fun for dogs and are a more natural language for them than words.

Making small changes in your house to accommodate your elderly pet can help them feel more comfortable:

• Older dogs may need more rest so offer yours a comfy bed in a quiet, familiar spot. An orthopaedic bed will ease pressure on bones and joints.

• Your dog may prefer warmth more as they get older, so a cosy blanket or heat pad can help them relax. Make sure their sleeping area is free from draughts. They may also appreciate a coat to wear in cold or wet weather.

• Older dogs seem to prefer a routine, so will be less stressed if change is kept to a minimum.

• If your dog is losing their sight, keep your furniture in the same spot.

• Using raised food and water dishes can make it easier for your dog to reach.

• Slippery floors can be tricky for arthritic or older dogs to walk on so try putting down a non-slip mat for them.

• Avoid stairs if possible.

• Older dogs may need to go to the toilet more often so offer yours more frequent loo breaks.

• Make sure your dog always has fresh water available to drink and keep an eye out for any changes in their drinking patterns.

• You can buy steps or a ramp to help your dog up onto the bed or into the car. With these, dogs expend less effort than jumping and there’s less of a risk of causing back issues.