Looking after the golden oldies

As our canine companions age, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that they are receiving the care they need to maintain their physical and mental well-being. This includes providing your senior dog with proper paw trimming, exercise, and mental stimulation and comfort. Dogs over 7 years of age are considered to be senior particularly in large breed dogs who age faster. Small breeds are senior when they are 11-12 years old.

Paw Trimming As dogs age, they don’t move around as much to have their nails wear down naturally so their nails may grow thicker and longer, which can cause discomfort or even pain. Curling claws will realign the toes and foot causing the activation, use and overwork of the wrong muscles and tendons that shouldn’t be activating with each step. Regular paw trimming can help to prevent this discomfort and keep your senior dog's paws healthy. It's important to take extra care when trimming the nails of senior dogs as their nails may be more brittle and prone to splitting. To trim your senior dog's nails, use a pair of sharp pet nail clippers or a grinder and make sure to avoid cutting the quick, which is the sensitive part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you are unsure about how to trim your senior dog's nails, it's best to seek advice from your veterinarian or a professional dog groomer. No matter what age your dog is, teaching them to not be afraid of having their paws touched and being comfortable with cutting can save a lot of stress for you and your dog when they are older. A grinder may also be less stressful to use.

Exercise While it's important to keep your senior dog active, it's also important to keep in mind that they may not be able to handle the same level of exercise that they used to. It's important to consult with your veterinarian to determine what level of exercise is appropriate for your senior dog. Low-impact activities such as short walks, swimming, and gentle play can be great options for senior dogs. Regular exercise can help to maintain your senior dog's physical health, improve their cardiovascular function, and studies show that movement helps to build neurons in the brain and prevent cognitive decline. Dogs with arthritis should be moving too to keep the blood flowing though the joints to remove inflammatory toxins. Keep up a routine of slow walk around the backyard or up and down the street at their pace for really old dogs. Dogs that are mobile and active should have 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Mental Stimulation Just like humans, senior dogs need mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp and engaged. Providing your senior dog with puzzles, interactive toys, and training sessions can help to keep their minds active and engaged. Games to try are snufflemats, hide some treats in boxes or cardboard rolls, nose work with indoor plants, essential oils(check which ones are suitable for dogs first) or food around the house. Regular playtime and training sessions can also provide your senior dog with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Additionally, social interaction with other dogs or with humans can help to prevent loneliness and depression.

Comfort Senior dogs will feel the aches and pains from trauma in their younger years that wasn’t addressed completely and this can show in their loss of strength and flexibility or presenting lameness. Consider making your home more easy to get around like carpet or yoga mats where they walk or step down from their bed. Dog stairs, large pillows and ramps for access to the bed or couch from the ground will make their usual activities easier. If its cold in the mornings, thats when your dog is least agile, a heat source such as a pillow or heater can really work wonders for them. If you notice your dog changing behaviours, routes or activity one reason could be discomfort and pain. Its always best to take them to the vet for a check up on the reason. If the change is due to muscle tightness, a sore back, arthritis, or pain reoccurring from a previous injury then consider body work for your best friend. Massage or Bowen therapy can help tame the aches, alleviate the tight muscles and give your dog a chance to relax. A senior dog can also have a more comfortable time in their last years, when they need it the most.

As our canine companions age, it's important to provide them with the care they need to maintain their physical and mental health. This includes regular paw trimming, appropriate exercise, and mental stimulation and creating comfort in their environment. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your senior dog enjoys a happy and healthy life.