Senior Dog Daily Care Tips

By: Dr. Jamie Walkush

Curious how to help your aging pet live their best life?? Here a list of small changes that can go far in helping your pet navigate their senior years. 

• Watch them eat - looks for signs of oral pain, nausea, and reflux. Report changes to your vet 

  
  

• Weigh them weekly- catch any fluctuations before they become bigger changes. 

  
  

• Watch them move- looking for subtle hesitations that indicate pain may be present. Comfort is key- discuss signs of chronic pain with your vet and take a proactive approach to pain management.  

  
  

• Full body feel: observing for sensitivity, tension, warmth or coldness on the body, new lumps or bumps, or enlarged lymph nodes. 

  
  

• Provide mental activity: special outings, car rides, food dispensing toys, etc can keep aging brains engaged.  

  
  

• Let them set the pace- smaller, shorter exercise sessions or sniffaris can keep them moving without overdoing it.  

  
  

• Look at their poop -assesses digestion and can help guide diet changes. 

  
  

• Keep them hydrated- High moisture fresh food diets + add ins depending on the season (warm homemade broths for cooler weather, hydrating/cooling liquids such as coconut water and homemade pupscicles on hot days). 

  
  

• Keep up on hygeine- ear cleanings, foot trims, dental care. Maintenance can go a long way to keep your pet clean and comfortable. 

  
  

• Environmental modifications: Is your pets vision not what it used to be? Consider night lights.  Is it harder to navigate slick floors?  Add rugs.  There's lots of tools and tricks that can make life easier for your pet.  Discuss with your vet and don't be scared to get creative.  

  
  

• Watch the drugs- we make intentional choices on vaccines, medications, and parasite prevention based on lifestyle and risk.  Consider natural alternatives wherever possible.  
  

• Tell them you love them- your dog deserves to know and feel love and comfort.  

  
  

• Mindset is everything- quality of life over quantity. Each day is a gift with an old dog.  

  
  

• Take pictures/videos or start a written log to track patterns over time.  Chronic pain, organ disease, senility and other issues that affect seniors come on slowly.  When multiple issues stack up having notes or visuals can help you become the most effective decision maker for your pet.