Caring for your geriatric dog can be very difficult at times. It is best to know exactly what is wrong with your dog and try and do your best to make your dog comfortable. Your dog might think at times that they can run and jump like they use to and then they will soon realize that is takes a toll on them. It is very similar to when you use to run errands all day and when you are done you feel fine. Then, after time running all day without any breaks you will soon notice that it takes a toll on your body. We all age and have to make sure that we are taking care of our body.
Here are some tips to care for your geriatric dog:
It’s not easy to watch our beloved dogs develop the signs of advancing age. It reminds us that they don’t live as long as we do, and that our time with them is limited. Advances in veterinary care mean our dogs are living longer than ever.
Dogs are considered elderly at different ages, depending on their breed. Large breeds such as Bull Mastiffs and Great Danes are old at 6-8 years, whereas smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas often don’t start to slow down until they’re well over 10.
As our dogs age, they can develop a range of conditions that make life less enjoyable. Although many of these conditions are not reversible, there are things we can do to reduce their impact on our dog’s well being.
Most geriatric dogs will have a degree of arthritis and joint pain. This can make it uncomfortable to go for a stroll, walk up stairs, or jump into the car. Fortunately, there are some very effective pain relief medications that will help your dog feel so much better, and these are the mainstay of arthritis treatment. Other things you can do for your stiff and sore senior is to avoid slippery floors which can be difficult to walk on without falling, and give them a soft bed that keeps them off the hard floor. In cold weather, a hot water bottle or heating pad can make their nights more pleasant.
Visit the K9 Chronicles for the full article on caring for your geriatric dog.
