How to Take Care of Older Dogs

Watch their diet. Older dogs typically need a different type of diet than younger dogs. In fact, there are some brands of dog food that are specifically formulated for older dogs.

Be careful of their health. This includes oral health, as well.

Keep them physically and mentally fit. Physical fitness isn’t the only important thing. In older dogs especially, mental stimulation is just as important.

Go to the vet regularly. Regular trips to the vet can help you see if your dog is healthy.

Ensure they’re always well-groomed. Not grooming your dog can make them miserable, especially if they have long coats.

Make your home more comfortable and accessible. If your dog can’t climb the stairs anymore, don’t keep their bed on the second floor of the house. Additionally, if your dog has incontinence problems and can’t always hold in their pee, you should add pee pads throughout the house so that they can have someplace to go.

Spend as much time with them as possible. You may not want to think about it, but your dog’s not going to be with you forever. Make sure to spend as much as time as you can with them.

Regardless of whether your dog reaches 7 or 17 years, though, only one thing is important: that you give them all the love and care possible while they’re still here to do the same for us.