Elderly Dog Care: How to Live Comfortably in the Last Years
After age 7, joints, teeth, vision, and sleep can all change. Specific adjustments to diet, exercise, home modifications, and frequency of physical exams.
Older dogs do not "slowly become lazy", but suffer from pain and functional decline. Three things to do first: switch to a joint-friendly mattress, raise the food bowl, and put non-slip mats on smooth floors.
The physical examination was changed from once a year to once every six months, focusing on: joint X-rays, teeth, heart auscultation, kidney and thyroid indicators. Weigh yourself once a month and investigate the cause of sudden weight loss or gain.
Change the exercise to "little and often": 15 minutes three times a day, which is more friendly than 45 minutes once. Swimming puts minimal pressure on joints.
In the diet, increase the proportion of high-quality protein, control calories, and supplement Omega-3; if the teeth are not good, soak dry food or replace it with wet food. In the final stages, be aware of hospice care options in advance and stay in communication with your veterinarian.
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