Love your ageing pets and not sure what to do to keep them happy?
Here are some areas you might want to review so you can keep your elderly pet happy in their golden years.
Like humans, dogs age at their own pace but there are some key attributes that influence the process. Generally speaking, smaller dogs are considered senior at 10 years old, medium-sized dogs at eight years old, and large dogs at six years old.
Senior dogs become much more sensitive to temperature, and our tropical climate can dehydrate and lead the animals to exhaustion. Keep your pet at an ideal temperature (not too much sun or air-conditioning) and have a few water bowls around the house.
As older dogs become more sensitive to temperature change, avoid walking in the heat of the day. A short walk when it’s cool paired with a gentle game at home where there are fans will keep your pet active and exercised without overstressing.
Support digestion by offering three meals a day and making sure these are optimised for senior health. Wet food is typically better quality than kibbles. Your vet will advise you on what is best for your pet, but do look for food that is easy to chew if your dog has tender gums.
A reasonable schedule of vet visits will help you spot problems like bad teeth, arthritis and kidney issues. Bloodwork is also useful for spotting problems super early, which makes them easier to manage.
