When our furry friend grows older, besides their diet (which we have already written about), there are many other things that also change. To provide them with everything they need, it is important to understand their new needs very well and to comprehend this stage with all its highs and lows.
The passage of time is unstoppable, and as expected, this also affects our best friends. Suddenly, we notice that their body, agility, movements, and some of their habits begin to change. Our responsibility? That even as they grow old, their quality of life and health remain the best possible.
To address this topic, it is necessary to start from the beginning: how do you know your furry friend is getting older? Well, there are a series of details that will help you detect it quickly:
Gray hairs begin to appear: on their paws, muzzle, and other parts of their body. Sometimes we don’t notice it, but suddenly we find ourselves looking at a photo from a few years ago and saying something like, “Wow, look at Sam’s dark fur back then.”
Health issues: the most common are vision, hearing, and sometimes smell problems. These can sometimes be accompanied by joint and digestive issues—the full package! If you think about it, these problems are very similar to what humans experience as we age.
Senior diet. Two things usually happen here: they eat less, and they develop overweight issues. Both are connected, as they tend to move less and show less energy, meaning they burn fewer calories and have less appetite. Since they move less than before, they don’t burn many calories. The ideal solution is to opt for Senior recipes (Ownat product link), as these meet their specific needs.
Behavior. In general, they tend to be calmer (NOTE, we know there are always exceptions! Some senior pets are extremely lively), but normally they have a little less energy and are more inclined to seek cuddles than balls or frisbees.
Now comes the second part of the topic: how should I care for my senior dog? We have worked on a series of points that will help you address this topic with all the naturalness and love in the world.
Exercise always up to date. We know they have less energy as they age, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect physical exercise. Physical activity helps maintain and strengthen their muscles, but be careful! Monitor the intensity and duration of both walks and play sessions.
A home adapted to them. A soft bed will help them rest and feel better—you know good rest is vital! Regarding your home, if you have many stairs (and your furry friend has arthritis), you may need to adapt them a little or carry them when they cannot climb.
More vet visits. Generally, we take them to the vet only when they are sick, but as they age, we need to get used to taking them once a year. It is advisable to have tests, weight checks, and screenings for possible age-related health issues.
Good fatty acids. Joint, mobility, and arthritis problems are among the most common. The ideal solution? Feed them foods rich in fatty acids, like our Ownat salmon oil (wink, wink). Along with a good senior dog diet, this will help meet their daily needs.
And do you know another VERY important point? Give them plenty of cuddles! There will be days when they feel weaker, more tired, or less energetic; during these moments, love and attention will be their best allies.
