Some dog owners consider the age when their dog becomes a senior to be the best years of dog ownership. By then, their dogs are more mature, usually less boisterous, more relaxed, and more cuddly. However, senior dog care differs from an adult dog or puppy.
Caring for senior dogs may require some dietary adjustments. You may need to watch their diet more closely and feed them old food. These changes can help them stay healthy and happy for years to come.
When is a dog considered old?
Although it varies, a dog is generally considered a senior when he is about seven years old. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not know age seven for every human year. The rate at which a dog age depends on many factors, with size and breed playing an important role. In addition, puppies age more rapidly in their early years, with a ratio of about 10.5 puppy years for every human year.
To determine if your dog has reached senior status, it is essential to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you assess your dog’s approximate age by observing subtle changes in weight, appetite, behavior, etc.
How to monitor your senior dog’s diet
As your dog ages, his metabolism begins to slow down, and he may become less active. You may also notice that he puts on a few extra pounds. Therefore, it may be wise to reduce his caloric intake.
Older dogs are often less active, especially those with mobility issues such as osteoarthritis, so that they may be more prone to obesity. While some health problems can lead to obesity, being overweight can also lead to health problems in your dog and put extra strain on his joints and lungs. That’s why it’s essential to monitor your dog’s fitness regularly and ensure he’s maintaining his ideal weight, even if he’s older.
If you think your dog is overweight, make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss the best way to control his weight in the future. The problem could be something as simple as your dog overheating or an underlying medical condition that requires attention. In either case, your veterinarian may recommend a more calorie-restricted or specialized diet for older dogs.
Increasing your dog’s exercise may be advisable, but consult your veterinarian before doing so, especially if he has mobility problems. Another critical point is that your dog can only “get so much exercise with a bad diet,” so a good balance of food and exercise will help you succeed.
Your doctor may suggest some weight-reducing exercise, such as hydrotherapy or swimming. Remember that “movement is the lotion for his joints,” and even a short walk is good for his muscles, heart, and brain.
Switching dog foods
When switching from one dog food to another, introducing the new food gradually is always a good idea. This also applies when switching from adult dog food to senior dog food. Add the fresh food slowly over 7-10 days, increasing the proportions each day. Older animals may have more sensitive systems, so avoid switching from one food to another too quickly, as this can cause digestive problems.
Six tips for feeding older dogs
As your dog ages, you may need to change more than just his food.You may also need to adjust, your eating habits. Here are six tips, for feeding older dogs :
Give smaller portions more often: Your dog may be used to eating twice a day, but as he ages, he will need more frequent meals with smaller pieces.
Serve wet food at room temperature: To enhance the taste and smell, serve wet dog food at room temperature. Remember that if you give your senior dog food stored in the refrigerator, you must take it out up to two hours before the meal to bring it to the proper temperature. If this is not possible, the wet food can be reheated briefly in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this could burn your dog’s mouth.
Store dry food correctly: Dry food should be stored in a clean environment. You can help preserve the smell and taste of the food by storing them in a resealable or airtight container.
Feed them in a quiet place: At mealtime, feed your senior dog in a calm place where he can eat peacefully and without interruption. If you have more than one dog, provide them at the same time but separately to prevent one from intimidating the other or snatching the food.
Consider an elevated food bowl: older dogs with arthritis may have more difficulty reaching their food and prefer a slightly elevated bowl.
Don’t overfeed: remember that older dogs are more likely to put on weight than adults, so avoid overfeeding them. If you have recently changed your dog’s food, follow the feeding guide on the package. This guide is only an approximation. Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust the amount to maintain its ideal weight. Also, consult your veterinarian about your dog’s specific caloric needs.
