Life with a Senior Dog - The Needs of Canine Seniors

Just a moment ago they were tiny balls of fluff, and before you know it, their muzzles are already turning grey. Dogs grow and age with us, accompanying us throughout their lives. Their needs also change with age. We'll tell you right here what you should pay attention to regarding the nutrition, exercise, and health of your senior dog.

What a Dog's Life: Needs of Senior Dogs

Just like with us two-legged creatures, the needs of our pawed friends change throughout their lives. Energy dwindles, routines need to be adjusted, and eating habits also change.

In this article, we'll tell you about the core needs of senior dogs and how you can make your four-legged friend's retirement particularly pleasant!

  • How do owners recognize that their four-legged friend has reached retirement age? Here are some characteristics:

    • Grey beard
    • Changed body odor
    • increased need for sleep and rest
    • reduced urge to move (often triggered by decreased vision and hearing)
    • Digestive problems

Nourishment

Where your paw could barely get enough treats before, some senior dogs may lose their enthusiasm for the little snacks. The digestive tract also no longer works as smoothly, which can often lead to constipation. Fortunately, your paw's diet can be adjusted to meet their age and needs.

Feeding amount

As they get older, the amount of food a four-legged friend needs often decreases. This is mainly due to their reduced activity level, but also to a decline in appetite in old age. If you notice that your furry friend is gaining a lot of weight, contact a vet or our nutritionist to find the right amount of food for your pawed friend.

The older the pawed friend, the more important minerals, fiber and vitamins become, and with them, supplementary feed.

Supplementary Feed for Health & Vitality

The bodies of senior dogs still have a lot to accomplish in old age (or especially then). Therefore, owners should support their furry friends with beneficial supplements, such as:

SeniorExtra: This herb blend is especially suitable for seniors for continuous administration.

LiverExtra: Supports your furry friend's organs and vitality.

JointFit & JointExtra: These two helpers support adult dogs with joint problems and arthritis through a course of treatment.

Arthribasis: Arthribasis is inspired by a tried-and-tested recipe developed in Israel. Like Arthridea, it contains the core ingredients MSM (methylsulfonylmethane/organic sulfur), glucosamine, and chondroitin. Together with a healthy, balanced diet, these three substances form a valuable synergy to support the musculoskeletal system.

StomachWell: As the name suggests, this natural blend is designed to make the stomach feel better. The essential oils create an environment hostile to bacteria and fungi, and the blend can help regulate the acid-base balance without affecting digestion.

The right oil also optimally supports your senior's organism. You can find more information in our corresponding blog post.

(In)tolerances

While intolerances are not inherently due to a dog's age, some dogs, for example, can no longer tolerate dry food in their senior years.

If your furry friend no longer eats pellets, it's a good idea to try wet food or BARF meals. For owners who can spend a little more time on their paw, the CORF style, i.e., cooking for the dog, is ideal for their senior dog.

Do you have further questions about your senior dog's diet? Then don't hesitate to make an appointment with our nutritionist!

Movement & Health

Reduced urge to move

Just like us two-legged creatures, dogs also show less interest in exercise, long walks, and extensive hikes in their old age. Instead, they prefer to snuggle into a fluffy cloud and stretch out all four paws.

Respect your four-legged friend's need for rest. A dog's life can be quite exhausting – and honestly, haven't you had days when you just wanted to stay on the couch?

As long as your paw has no physical impairments, you shouldn't shorten the length of walks in order to maintain your dog's fitness even in old age. If old age takes a toll on bones and muscles, you can simply shorten the distance, but perhaps go for short walks more often throughout the day.

You can optimally support an aging paw, by the way, with regular visits to a physiotherapist.

Regular Checks & Maintenance

Regular check-ups become even more important when your paw reaches an older age.

Dental care also becomes even more crucial now, as the gums regenerate less quickly, and bacteria spread, which can then cause bad breath and lead to inflammation. It is now more important than ever to pay special attention to tartar and to have it regularly removed by a dog groomer or veterinarian.

Some will also notice that the four-legged friend's coat is less shiny and even looks straw-like. Shampoos and brushing sessions free the dog's coat from dandruff and knots, so that your paw feels completely comfortable in its skin even at an old age. The senior coat will appreciate shampoos with natural ingredients, such as the shampoos developed by LILA LOVES IT.

Finally, eyes and ears should also be regularly checked and, if necessary, lovingly cleaned.

For optimal care – no matter your age!

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Apparel

Sweaters, blankets & co.

Especially older paws need special protection from the elements and low temperatures during the cold season. However, the type of fur of your four-legged friend also plays a role.

For example, if your darling has very short stock hair without an undercoat, a winter coat, sweater or rain protection is suitable long before retirement. Especially if your paw is celebrating its 13th birthday. With age, dog muscles tend to decrease and the body's immunity also weakens.

Doggy retirement, but make it chic!

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Heat Pads & Lamps

Above all, an elderly paw should be comfortably warm. Once the beard turns grey, mobility impairments often occur.

To put a stop to these restrictions and pains, it is advisable to invest in a heat lamp or heating pad that comfortably warms tense muscles and stiff limbs, ensuring greater mobility – even in older dogs.

So your senior is always cozy!

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For all dog owners who are avid readers and want to delve deeper into the topic of senior dogs and learn more about our four-legged friends, we highly recommend the book 'The Wisdom of Old Dogs' by Elli H. Radinger.

How does your senior dog live with you? Do you have any special tips and tricks that ensure your furry friend's vitality and health? Where do you notice differences?

Sources 
Photo 'Senior Dog': Kanashi / Unsplash
Photo 'Black Dog with Gray-White Muzzle': Ken Reid / Unsplash
Photo 'Brown Dog with White Muzzle': Derek Sears / Unsplash
Photo 'Two Dogs Waiting for Food': Jack Plant / Unsplash
Photo 'Dogs in Shower': Jamie Street / Unsplash