6 Ways to Ensure Your Dog Gets the Most Out of Their Golden Years

Our canine companions bring years of joy and happiness. From long walks in the park, to getting cozy on the couch at night, your dog is with you through thick and thin, and you can never imagine them not being by your side. However, this can make it hard to accept that your dog is getting older, and that they won’t be with you forever.

If you have recently noticed that your dog is moving slower and isn’t as responsive to you calling them as they used to be, then this could be a sign that they are getting older. But this doesn’t mean that they can’t be happy and healthy, and you can’t continue to enjoy sharing your life with them.

Therefore, it is important that you make the changes and adaptations necessary to help your dog be more comfortable, happier, and get the most out of their golden years with you by their side. So, here are some of our top tips for your older dog.

Make Your Home More Accessible

If you think back to the first time you brought your brand-new puppy home, you may be able to still remember them bounding around the house. But just like us humans, as we get older, even the simplest of activities like managing the stairs can become a challenge. Therefore, to make your dog’s golden years less uncomfortable and more enjoyable, you should make any necessary changes to the accessibility of your home.

From bringing their bed downstairs to avoid them straining their joints and muscles, to ensuring your flooring is non-slip, the smallest of changes can make their day-to-day life a lot easier and less painful.

Continue Exercising

We all know how important it is for our furry friends to be walked regularly so they can enjoy some exercise outdoors. But as our dogs get older, it can be tempting to let them stop exercising altogether. Yet this is one of the most common mistakes that owners of older dogs make. As your dog gets older, it becomes more important than ever before that they keep their body moving, and their muscle development progressing.

While of course it is crucial to remember that moderation is key and pushing your dog too far could result in worsening any health problems they already have, regular walks can help to prevent obesity, stimulate your dog’s appetite, and even prevent anxiety and boost their overall mood. It can do you the world of good as well!

Take Care of Their Joints

As your dog gets older, it is common for them to start to suffer with joint and muscle issues that can slow them down and even cause them pain. Therefore, it is crucial that you stay on top of their joint health and provide them with everything they need to make their joints less painful. Stiff joints in dogs are very common as they get older, so you should consider introducing some dog supplements to their diet to give them the extra boost they need.

For example, YuMove have a vast range of joint supplements to ensure your pets get the nutrients and vitamins they need so they can live their life to the fullest, while also easing the stiff joints in dogs that are most common. You will be glad to know that YuMove supplements are also easy to administer to your pets as they love the taste!

Keep Your Dog Groomed

While it is normal for you dog to be groomed regularly, as they get older your dog may need some extra help. Older dogs can start to find it more difficult to take care of themselves as they age, which may mean that you’ll need to get them groomed more often. This should also include getting their claws trimmed.

Visit the Vet Regularly

We all know that getting older is a natural process in life and is something that we will all one day experience. So, while you shouldn’t be afraid of your dog getting older, you should stay on top of your dog’s health by regularly getting them checked over at the vets – even if your dog isn’t that happy about it.

Regularly taking your dog to see the vet means that you can provide them with the care and treatment they need and catch any issues or problems as early as possible. This can make all the difference to their overall health and wellbeing.

Consider Their Dental Health

One of the most common problems that dogs face as they get older is with their teeth. Throughout their life, your dog’s teeth go through a lot. Not only from eating their meals, but also for playing, and exploring their surroundings. Therefore, it is important that your dog’s teeth are regularly cleaned and looked after, otherwise the buildup of plaque can turn into tartar. This can then cause inflammation and make it painful for your dog to eat.

Just a few simple changes to how you care for your dog can make all the difference as they get older. It can help to ensure that you have your canine companion with you for as long as possible.

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