Believe it or not, senior dogs have a different set of needs when they get older. How do you know if your dog is a senior? Well, according to veterinarians, a dog that is 6 or 7 years old is considered a senior dog. Unfortunately, dogs experience the same health issues as humans when they get older, such as heart disease, diabetes, vision and joint problems. 

So, if you have a senior dog, you should be aware that your favorite game of catch might not be a solution anymore because some of these dogs won’t be able to jump. Instead, you can still show them your affection and love because they need it more than you think, especially in those moments. 

If you want to make your dog happy, here are some tips that can help you! Read on for more info!

You have to double the number of vet check ups 

One of the most important things that you have to take into consideration when you have a dog is not to miss any check-ups at the vet, especially when you have a senior dog and the number of vet visits will be doubled. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), a senior dog should go to the vet every six months. 

“Semi-annual wellness exams are a wonderful way to keep on top of any medical conditions,” says Tonya Wilhelm, a Toldeo, Ohio-area dog trainer and founder of Raising Your Pets Naturally. “By doing this, the veterinarian is able to do a full exam, look for any concerning lumps, listen to the dog’s heart function and evaluate hearing and eyesight.”

Make sure the environment is safe

Just like humans, when your dog is getting older, they experience certain body modifications, so you have to change some things around them as well and make sure the environment is safe. 

“Many senior dogs have decreased hearing, vision and mobility, so make sure the environment is safe. Slippery floors are a nightmare for dogs with mobility issues. Having carpet runners or rubber mat runners is much safer and more comfortable for them,” says Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT, an integrative veterinarian and owner of Clayton Veterinary Associates and Churchtown Veterinary Associates in Clayton, New Jersey.

Focus on a healthy diet

If you want to keep your senior dog happy you should give it a healthy diet. “We give Jada joint supplements and fish oil pills to help keep her joints from hurting and her heart ticking,” said Dana Cichocki, who has a 10-year-old Pit Bull rescue named Jada. 

“Omega-3s help with joints, brain and skin,” Dr. Morgan explains. “So does hyaluronic acid, which is also good for the eyes. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are good for joints. Fat cells actually produce hormones that increase inflammation in the body, leading to more pain. More pain means more lethargy, which means more obesity. It’s a vicious cycle.”

A warm bed or massage is the solution for aching joints

One of the most common dog diseases is arthritis and aside from dog medications, you can relieve their pain with a warm bed or massage. “Some pets with arthritis will do well with something to help keep them warm,” Dr. Morgan says. “Warm towels from the dryer placed over sore joints can be very soothing. Additionally, our old dogs get massage, acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments to keep them moving well. Massage keeps muscles soft and supple and increases blood flow to muscles and joints.”

Keep your dog active, but in a safe way

Even though a senior dog can’t run or jump, they need to take part in physical activity to deal with joint issues. But of course, you do not have to overdo it. You can take your dog for a walk in the park or near home every day. 

“Muscles support joints,” Dr. Morgan says. “Without good muscle tone, mobility decreases drastically. This is why pet physical therapy has become so commonly used. Joints in motion stay limber; joints not in motion get stiff.” 

“A lot of senior dogs love to swim in their human’s pool or at a facility with hydrotherapy,” Coughlin says. “It’s a great exercise that’s cardiovascular as well. Nice low-impact exercises for senior dogs are swimming and water play.”

Watch your dog carefully

When you let your dog outdoors, you should watch them carefully because the environment could be dangerous for them. “Dogs with decreased hearing and vision may get [confused], wander from the yard accidentally and not be able to find their way home,” Dr. Morgan says.

“Some dogs left alone use a belly band or other diaper product, or puppy pads,” Coughlin says.

Extra grooming sessions are essential

If you want to avoid matting, you have to give your dog extra grooming sessions. You should make sure that their fur and skin are clean and if not, you have clean and groom it properly. 

“Dogs may not be grooming themselves as much, so daily brushing keeps the coat oils spread throughout the coat,” Dr. Morgan says. “It’s also a great way to check for new lumps, bumps, cuts, scrapes or irritation.”