Senior dog care requires that you control several things about your old pal to make sure he ages in a healthy way. Some changes are normal; however, others may be due to illness, this is why you should be on top of things to seek the right treatment as soon as possible if necessary.
This is a list of 10 things you have to pay attention to during your regular senior dog care routine:
1. Observe his eating habits
Check if he’s eating the normal amount of food, if he is eating everything or leaving some bits behind, if he has difficulty chewing or swallowing, or if he is vomiting.
2. Observe his drinking habits
Check if he’s drinking more or less water than usual.
3.Observe his urination and defecation habits
Make sure there are no changes in color, amount, consistency, and frequency. Try to identify if your dog is feeling pain and if he is urinating or defecating inside the house.
4. Observe his weight
Check his weight every couple of months.
5. Observe his skin, coat, and nails
Check for lumps, bumps, or sores that are not healing. Make sure your dog does not smell bad, that his belly is the normal size, and that he is not losing too much hair.
6. Observe his behavior habits
Your dog should be sleeping the normal hours, he should obey your commands normally, he should not run away from people he used to like, he should not be soiling the house, he should not be scared easily, and he should be OK when left alone.
7. Observe his mobility levels
A healthy senior dog does not have problems going up the stairs, he can exercise normally, he does not bump into things, he does not collapse suddenly, he doesn’t have seizures, and he does not lose his balance.
8. Observe his breathing
Senior Dog Care involves monitoring your dog’s breathing. An ill dog will cough, gasp, and sneeze regularly so if you observe these signs please consider seeing your veterinarian.
9. Observe his teeth
Your dog’s teeth must be clean, he should not drool too much, there shouldn’t be sores or bad breath in his mouth, and his gums should not be swollen, yellow, or light pink.
10. Observe the temperature
Check that the temperature around your dog makes him comfortable, and notice if there is a temperature that makes him especially uncomfortable.