Make Your Senior Pet Feel Young Again
A common question that pet parents of senior dogs have is how to perk up an old dog and help them feel energetic and engaged despite its age.
5 Ways to Help Your Senior Pet Feel Young Again
Our dogs are with us through all our major ups and downs. So, when they reach their golden years and become senior pets, it’s only natural that we want to make them as comfortable and happy as possible. And while aging is inevitable, there are plenty of ways how to make an old dog happy.
Although it may require some effort and commitment from you, you can give your four-legged friend the best quality of life as it ages.
How Old Is Old?
We all know that dogs age faster than humans. And because of this, dog owners often don’t even realize that their dog is entering its senior years. You find yourself suddenly surprised that your dog is no longer as agile and fast in its movements, is napping most of the time, and has become less playful. You may also start noticing gray hair around its muzzle.
So, how old is old?
Small dogs weighing around 20 pounds embark on their senior years by age 12, while larger breeds tend to be in their golden years at the age of 8.
Note that certain breeds have a shorter lifespan, meaning their senior years come in earlier too. For example, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a small breed, is considered a senior dog once it reaches eight years of age, whereas the sizeable Bernese Mountain Dog is already a senior at four years old.
Regardless of your dog’s age, you need to keep an eye out for common signs of aging so that you can start giving your dog age-appropriate care to keep it healthy and happy.
Five Ways to Make your Senior Dog Feel Young Again
1. Treat Your Senior Dog To Weekly Joy Rides
Add some joy and plenty of wind to your senior dog’s day by going for car rides.
And it doesn’t have to be a long road trip; just half an hour every week will be more than enough to make your senior dog happy. Dogs love to get out of the house and soak in the sun, and going for weekly car rides is one of the most convenient ways how to perk up an old dog.
It is best to cruise around town or the roads and places your dog is familiar with. Once you start doing this, you’ll notice your old dog getting excited and looking forward to getting into your car.
If your dog has mobility issues and you are concerned about getting it safely into the car, there are various dog ramps that you can look into purchasing. These ramps provide a gentle incline that allows your dog to walk or be assisted into the vehicle without putting excessive strain on their joints. Additionally, there are other products and techniques to help when wondering how to strengthen old dogs hind legs. Regular exercise, such as gentle walks or swimming, can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Physical therapy exercises and targeted rehabilitation techniques can also be beneficial in improving muscle tone and joint stability.
Consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer can provide you with specific guidance and recommendations tailored to your dog’s individual needs. By providing the necessary support and care, you can help your beloved furry friend maintain their mobility and overall well-being.
2. Improvise Scenting Games And Food Puzzles
Senior dogs can often suffer from limited movements due to joint pain. Their sight will also not be as sharp as before. If you are wondering how can I make my old dog feel younger, then engage your dog in games and fun playtime.
Despite aging, one of the canine senses that remain intact is their sense of smell. Look up games that encourage your dog to use and follow its nose. You can hide healthy treats behind cardboard boxes and let your dog sniff its way to the prize. This is one of the ways how to train an old dog new tricks.
Offering food treats and delectable prizes can also make your dog try harder. Of course, the praises and cuddles it gets from you also motivate the old champ, and it can be your answer to how to give an old dog more energy.
3. Go For Walks And Other Social Activities
How do you rejuvenate an old dog? A simple way to do this is to foster activities that get them out and about. Go for leisurely walks, and head to the dog park so your dog can meet its friends and play for a little.
Some dog owners tend to keep their dogs inside when they get older, but this is a mistake. It only makes your dog feel lonely and can drain its energy.
Invite friends with dogs and get your dog to socialize. While your senior pet may nap earlier than the rest of the dogs, it’s still good to be surrounded by fellow four-legged friends.
You can also bring your dog on errands or grocery shopping. Allow your dog to be the center of attention, and that might just be what can bring an old dog’s strength back.
4. Invest In Supplements And A High-Quality Diet
Looking after your dog’s dietary needs, and adding supplements to its diet is one of the most effective ways in which you can help an aging dog. One of the best things you can do is read some Nutra Thrive reviews and see for yourself how these can help your pet.
Make sure your dog’s diet is nutritious, and keep the calories and sodium levels low. Giving your dog bone broth every few days is also a good idea. Bone broth is rich in various vitamins and minerals and will go a long way in keeping a senior dog healthy.
It’s also good to branch out your dog’s diet to include more fruits and vegetables. If you’re unsure how your dog will respond to different foods, research subjects like can dogs eat cabbage- https://upperpawside.com/can-dogs-eat-cabbage/ or mushrooms. Carrots and beans, for example, are excellent for your dog’s health.
If your dog is diagnosed with a pre-existing health condition, talk to your pet’s vet and discuss what kind of diet would be best for them. A specialized diet such as that offered by a food brand such Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend might be particularly beneficial, but such foods can benefit all kinds of dogs thanks to its nutritional value and varied ingredients.
5. Try Swimming Therapy
Seniors dogs still need exercise despite their aching and aging joints and muscles. So, how do you enrich an old dog with new exercises? Swimming therapy can make exercise a fun and refreshing experience for your dog.
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that won’t put push your dog’s muscles to work too hard. This is especially beneficial if your dog has arthritis or is recovering from a recent surgery.
Look into an aquatic therapy facility in your area. Such facilities often have heated pools and provide different equipment for dogs, like an underwater treadmill. Your dog will have a blast while receiving muscle rehabilitation treatment.
After your weekly swimming therapy, you can even pamper your senior pet with some massage and give it some TLC.
In Summary
Like humans, getting old can be “ruff” on your pooch, too. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways how to perk up an old dog!
Use these tips to improve your senior dog’s quality of life in its golden years and give it lots of love and attention! With good nutrition, proper exercise, and lots of pets and cuddles, you can ensure your aging dog is happy, healthy, and feeling young and energetic again!
