How to Care for Your Aging Dog at Home

Unless you are part of the "Rich and Famous" crowd, there really is no retirement home for aging pets. You can, however, create a type of retirement home atmosphere in your own home to keep your beloved pet happy, healthy and comfortable during his or her old age.

Working Closely With a Trusted Vet

Your elderly pet has probably seen the same veterinarian for many years. The vet will know the dogs overall health and will be the first one to recognize any trouble signs as your pet grows older. Regular check ups are essential for aging dogs so that the vet can quickly spot any early signs of deteriorating health.

Your vet will also be able to monitor any weight loss or gain. You may not notice this as quickly as the vet, who has not seen the pet in awhile. As dogs age and become less active the amount of food intake may need to be adjusted.

A less active pet that consumes the same amount of food as a younger, more active pet may begin to put on excess weight. This will not be good for their heart, lungs or their joints. An old dog that loses weight even while consuming the same amount of food may have an underlying health issue. Watch your aging pet's weight carefully between veterinarian visits.

Feed a Good Quality Food Designed for Aging Dogs

There are many brands of food that are designed for aging dogs. Always feed the best quality of food you can afford. A gluten, grain free type food may be the best thing for your aging dog. Gluten and grain are hard to digest and as the pet's digestive system ages, you may want to help by offering easier to digest foods. Some dogs even develop a gluten intolerance over the years.

Seek out all natural foods that will be easier on the dog's stomach. Carefully monitor how much the aging pet is eating. If the dog is not eating well, you can mix some Ensure or other nutritional drink with his or her food. The nutritional drink can be poured in a small bowl as well.

Some dogs love the taste and will lap it all down. Seek the advice of your vet before introducing any nutritional supplements into your aging dog's diet. Be aware that any diet change may interfere with normal bowel movements.

Speaking of bowl movements, it is a good idea to inspect the aging dog's stools. They should be softly formed and the dog should not have to grunt, or walk around as they are "in the position." Too hard or loose of a stool can indicate a digestive problem that can be anywhere from the stomach to the colon.

Adjusting the feeding schedule of an older dog may become necessary. Feeding one large helping a day may cause the dog to overeat all at once. This will lead to a heaviness in the stomach and the dog will be as miserable as its human counterpart on Thanksgiving Day.
Offer the dog small amounts of food several times a day. If the dog is having difficulty chewing hard feed, it is time to offer soft food instead.

Continue to Offer Exercise as Tolerated for the Elderly Dog

Even humans slow down as they get older, so it is no wonder that your older dog is not as active as he or she once was. Your pet will let you know when it is having a good day or a bad day. When your dog appears to be more energetic, take him for a short walk. Walking offers the dog exercise and companionship.

Do not overdo the walk or you may be carrying your dog back home. Keep an eye on the dog for any signs that she is getting tired. Stop in a park and allow the aging dog to rest before you start the return walk. You may even want to carry a small tote bag with a bottle of water in it for yourself and the dog.

Only walk the aging dog in pleasant weather. If it is too hot the dog will pant excessively to keep cool. The heat is hard on all elderly; rather they are human or animal. Your aged pet may not tolerate cold very well either, so refrain from anything but quick bathroom trips in extreme cold.

Always walk an aged pet on a leash, for safety sake. Pay attention to see if the dog seems to hear noises, or see things in his pathway. As the dog ages it may experience hearing loss and her eyesight may diminish. Never let your aging pet wander away from you or home. This could spell disaster if the pet cannot see or hear the dangers.

Adapt Your Home for Comfort During His Retirement Years

Your dog may have loved children and people when she was young. As she ages, she will be less tolerable of noises and being bothered in general. If she still loves to visit and be sociable, allow her some time to do so. When you see that she is getting annoyed or irritated at all of the noise and commotion, take her to a quiet part of the house so that she can rest.

Offer comfort in these situations, not a scolding for her being grouchy. Spend a few minutes with the dog to calm him down before leaving him by himself. Once he has calmed down and realizes that he did nothing wrong, he will take a much needed nap while you enjoy your company.

Older dogs also suffer from arthritis, as their joints dry out. The vet may give him medication for this, or you can purchase joint tablets for the dog at pet stores and some health food stores. Always let your vet know what means of comfort medicines or foods you are giving your aged dog, so that it can be monitored.

Make your aged pet retirement years as comfortable as possible by adapting a few changes in your home. If the dog has always slept in your bed, but now has trouble jumping up or down, purchase a set of doggie steps for him.

You may find yourself lifting the dog onto sofa's and into cars much more frequently. Remember to do this with kindness instead of frustration or resentment. If your dog's inability to do things he used to aggravates you, the dog will sense this and his retirement life in your home will not be very pleasant for him.

Offer Love, Kindness, Compassion and a Gentle Massage to the Aging Dog

Your pet has always wanted to be loved and cuddled. An aging dog needs love and understanding even more so than a puppy. They sense that they are getting old and that their time with you is running out.

Show the aging pet as much love and compassion as possible. She will want to be with you more often. Small dogs will want to sleep in your lap, or be held more often. Pet the dog and offer gentle massages. Her joints and bones may hurt and by rubbing and massaging them gently you are offering love and comfort at a time the pet needs it most.

Above all, know when it is time to say goodbye to your aging dog. Offer him or her the dignity of a peaceful and quiet sleep for eternity. Do not hold on to an aging pet that is in pain just because you do not want to say goodbye. It is painful, but do what is best for the dog!

Some of my other dog related articles that may help with your aging dog:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/3006000/euthanasia_knowing_when_it_is_time.html?cat=53

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2400806/how_to_get_your_dog_to_take_medicine.html?cat=53

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2394210/people_meds_you_can_safely_give_your.html?cat=53