Is your canine pal in his golden years? Fido is adorable at any age, but he somehow gets even cuter in his senior years. Older dogs are actually wonderful pets. They tend to have a very calm, sweet demeanor, and are more interested in naps and cuddles than in tearing off after squirrels or digging through your trash. Of course, Fido will still need some form of entertainment and exercise as he grows older. A local Elgin TX vet offers some insight on this below.
How Do I Entertain My Elderly Dog?
As Fido grows older, his needs are going to change a bit. You’ll want to focus more on keeping your pet entertained and less on keeping him out of trouble. That means that, over time, you should start incorporating games that challenge him mentally rather than burning off those zoomies.
Here are a few things you can try:
Teaching Tricks: Despite that old adage, you absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks. Fido is really cute when he looks proud of himself for picking up something new. You can go with classics, such as Shake Paw or Roll Over, or try something silly, like Play Dead or Shark (smile).
Hide And Seek: This is always charming, as seeing pups wandering around looking for their humans never stops being cute. Hide in a closet or behind a blanket or curtain and call your pet. Be sure to praise him for ‘finding’ you.
Puzzle Toys: There is now a whole slew of puzzle toys available for our canine buddies. These are great because they offer a lot of enrichment and mental stimulation, without challenging your pet too much physically.
Scavenger Hunts: Our canine buddies love to follow their noses to some goodies. Scatter small treats around the house for Fido to find. Just remember to go back and get anything he missed.
Snuffle Mats: These are also a fun way to get that tail wagging. Put pieces of kibble in Fido’s mat for him to sniff out.
What Sort Of Toys Should I Get For An Older Dog?
As Fido gets older, you’ll want to start looking for toys made specifically for older dogs. Many of these are soft on his mouth. Others light up or make noise, which makes them easier for him to track.
Can I Still Play Fetch With My Older Dog?
Fido will never outgrow his favorite games. You can still toss a stick, ball, or toy for him. Just keep a close eye on him. Older dogs get tired much more quickly than puppies. However, because our canine pals are so loyal, they will push themselves to exhaustion and beyond to please their humans.
Watch for signs that Fido is getting tired. Panting and slowing down are probably the first things you’ll see. As soon as your canine buddy looks like he’s running out of steam, end playtime and let him rest and recuperate.
What Changes Should I Make To My Dog’s Exercise Regimen As He Ages?
This is something that you’ll want to check back with your vet about regularly. There’s not a set timeline to follow, as dogs all age differently. For instance, some small dogs may not even reach their golden years until age ten, while others are geriatric by eight. Fido’s breed, health, weight, and, of course, preferences, should all also factor in.
That said, you may do best with shorter but more frequent walks. If you and Fido enjoy more strenuous activities, such as hiking, you’ll want to gradually slow down with those. Ask your vet for more information.
Aside from that, we would generally advise against urging senior dogs to jump or stand on their back legs very much. This puts a lot of pressure on Fido’s hips, which is a concern for any dog that has or is at risk of developing hip dysplasia.
How Do I Keep My Older Dog Safe When Playing?
The biggest risk is probably that of Fido overdoing it and injuring himself. As mentioned above, it’s important to make sure he doesn’t get too tired. You’ll also need to be consistent. If you take your dog on short walks during the week, a long Saturday hike may be too much for him.
Also, avoid playing near anything that could be dangerous. That includes things like pools, stairs, roads, and fireplaces. Ideally, you’ll want to pick a spot with a soft surface, like a grassy yard or carpeted room, so there will be some cushion in case your pooch were to fall.
Can My Pet Still Play With Other Dogs?
Sure! Fido will always enjoy and benefit from being able to hang out with his furry friends. Just choose your pet’s playmates carefully, and only let him interact with friendly, well-behaved dogs. Many dogs are pretty intuitive, and will know not to roughhouse with an elder. Others need to be taught this sort of petiquette.
You may want to consider senior dog playdates. Fido may quite enjoy taking a slow walk with a furry buddy.
How Else Can I Provide My Older Dog With Stimulation?
There are actually a few easy things you can do to keep Fido’s wheels turning and his tail wagging. An easy one would be to leave a TV or radio on for your pet whenever you leave him home alone. The voices and music will soothe your furry friend and help keep him from feeling lonely. If you’ll be gone after dark, leave a light on as well.
Variety can also help here. By now, Fido is probably pretty familiar with the local walking paths and trails. Going to the same places every day can get a bit boring … for both dogs and people. Take your pup somewhere new. (Note: if your canine pal has a hard time getting in and out of cars, get him some pet ramps or stairs.) Just choose safe places. These should be spots without steep inclines or other hazards.
Will Supplements Help My Dog Stay Active?
Supplements can be helpful, but they aren’t a cure-all. Your vet can also help by suggesting supplements. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussel may be recommended for pups with joint problems. Fido may also benefit from taking specific antioxidants and or vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, or omega-3 fatty acids, which are often derived from shellfish or fish oil.
Chances are, Fido will probably benefit from taking something. However, you’ll want to talk to your vet before getting your pooch started on anything. Every dog is different. You’ll also need to factor in any medications your pooch is taking.
Also, keep a close eye on your pooch during the first few days after starting him on something new. You want to make sure that he isn’t going to react. If you do notice any signs or indications that the new supplement isn’t agreeing with Fido, stop giving it to him and take him to our pet hospital right away.
Make An Appointment At Our Elgin TX Pet Clinic
Do you have questions about caring for a senior dog? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Elgin, TX pet clinic, we are here to help!
