Elderly dog: how to take care of it
And the behavior?
As Fido gets older, he doesn’t stop being the loving and wonderful creature that he is. If he doesn’t respond to your calls or doesn’t feel like playing when you suggest some interesting activity, he probably hasn’t heard you or is feeling tired at that moment.
It is also normal for an older dog to become older scary because loss of consciousness causes disorientation and difficulty interacting with the environment, people and other animals.
If over time problems arise that prevent you from trusting move freely or to express its canine nature, it can also develop apathy, sadness and depression or get a little grumpy.
Just like it happens to people.
Tips to help your elderly dog live well
Of course, the life of a trusty old man is not all roses and flowers. Anyone who has had an elderly dog knows how much they can make us worry but also that every day together gives a joy that lasts forever.
Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to help your friend feel less the ailments of age and have a good emotional balancebe more vital and serene.
DOMESTIC ENVIRONMENT
Often older dogs become the shadow of their human friends when they wander around the house. It’s normal: they feel insecure on their sore paws, because they can’t see very well or because they are disoriented by sounds and smells that they can no longer recognize well.
A good rule to help the dog be more calm is keep the house tidyavoiding cluttering the spaces where he moves most often.
If Fido suffers from joint and muscle pain, give him a gift a larger and more comfortable kennel with lots of blankets to allow him to rest on the soft when he rests.
Keep in mind that even older dog can have incontinence problems. The most practical solution is to buy some washable sleepers. They avoid many inconveniences for the trust but also for you.
However, if Fido struggles to walk, move or get into his armchair, there are the options non-slip laddersin wood or foam, removable and easy to wash.
WALKS AND ACTIVITIES
Physical activity Regular feeding is also important for older dogs. It helps them strengthen musculaturefavors the digestionallows them to recharge their energy thanks to the sun and fresh air, it is also good for the mood of your friend.
Physical activity must always be suitable for age and state of health dog general. If your friend is crazy about agility courses but he is starting to struggle, you can study fun but lighter courses with the dog trainer.
Even the routine of walks must change to adapt to the new credit rhythms. Turns shorter but more frequentavoiding the hottest and coldest hours of the day.
As dogs age, they don’t stop needing socialize and interact with their peers but may be more afraid. The interaction helps the dog to avoid apathy and sadness but a little attention is needed to make him feel safe. Avoid letting him loose in unfenced areas, choose uncrowded dog areas and always stay nearby when he is loose.
NUTRITION CARE
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the well-being of animals at all stages of life. For an older dog it is even more important to pay attention to it because the metabolism slows down, hunger decreases and the digestive system becomes more delicate.
Here are some general guidelines:
- An older dog’s bowl must be less caloric, with more frequent small meals to avoid blockage of digestion and other disorders.
- Fido must always have fresh, clean water available.
- If the dog refuses certain foods, the food can be supplemented with natural substances such as gemmoderivatives, trace elements and vitamins to ensure the right amount of nutrients. Do-it-yourself or recipes copied from the internet can create very serious problems for your friend. Ask your vet for help or contact a naturopath to understand which supplements are best for him.
- The diet must be studied by the veterinarian based on the presence of pathologies such as renal failure or cirrhosis, which are very frequent in elderly dogs.
NATURAL SUPPORT
Natural remedies and energy treatments can mitigate the effects of aging by supporting the physical and emotional balance of your four-legged friend.
There are natural substances that help strengthen muscles and bones. Flower essences for counteract sadness and help older dogs feel less isolated from the world. Herbal medicines that help stabilize mood and they support the functionality of the organism. Sweet treatments for feel less pain.
If you want to give your friend a peaceful old age, book a free call below. I will help you understand which natural wellness path is best suited for him.
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