In the eyes of a dog owner, your dog will always remain a puppy even if their r muzzle is beginning to grey. In a few years, you will notice that your little pup is starting to pant a little harder after a walk or struggling to climb onto the bed. When such things happen, it is time to adjust to the lifestyle and needs of your older dog.

The seniority of any dog can depend on their breed. For instance, some of the smaller dogs (like Chihuahuas or Terriers) don’t reach their golden age until they turn 10 or 12 years old, on the other hand, a Great Dane may reach that age when they turn five or six. Beyond breed and size, some of the other things that can impact a dog’s life expectancy are genetics and diet.

Just the way lifestyle choices and the right medical advice at the right time can impact a human’s life expectancy, your dog can also live a longer and healthier life if you keep them active and feed them a nutrient-rich diet. If you have a senior dog at home, here are a few things you can do to give them a longer and healthier life:

•  Keep an eye on their diet: Senior dogs often face eating issues such as a lack of appetite, problems with chewing food properly, and digestive issues. Consult the vet online and ask them about the best diet plan and exercise line that needs to be followed. Some of the dietary changes may include adding more fibre that will help in digestion or decreasing carbohydrates in order to maintain optimal weight.

• Consult the vet more often: In the world that we are living in right now, it might not be ideal to step out of the house but don’t let it make it fall behind on your vet visits. You can always opt for online consultation with your vet. The frequent visit is important because additional blood tests, examinations, and dental care may arise due to their age. Furthermore, several breeds have predispositions towards certain ailments such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, joint problems, diabetes, and a heart condition. Early detection can help catch these before it turns into a major health issue.

• Time to “seniorise” your home: To make your dog feel more comfortable, it is best that you “seniorise” your home, this means making movement and resting easier for them. For dogs that have health issues such as hip dysplasia and joint issues, consider building a special ramp or stairs so that they can still get in your bed or your car. Place food and water in places they can easily reach, especially if they are vision-impaired. Make sure that your bed is more smooth around the edges so that it doesn’t hurt your dog. For homes that have tile or marble flooring, consider getting foam pads to create non-slip surfaces to prevent falls and help your dog maintain traction when rising.

We know that taking care of an older dog can be a lot of work, however, caring for your dog that you love so much can be deeply rewarding. Your dog has been there for you through thick and thin, it is time to return the favour!