How Can I Help My Dog Age Gracefully?

By Morieka Johnson, MNN

Q: It’s getting harder for my 9-year-old dog to do the things she used to enjoy. How can I help her age gracefully?

A: While every dog is different, most canines enter their geriatric phase at 7 to 8 years of age. As with humans, advanced age can lead to arthritis, decreased mobility and decreased organ functions. An expert from my pooch’s veterinary clinic offers the following tips to help embrace your dog’s inner puppy as the years go by:

Keep up the exercise: Don’t discount those daily walks. Even if the pace is a little slower these days, it’s a way to bond with your dog and burn calories together. Just be sure to monitor your pet during and after the walk. Dogs don’t sweat, so be mindful of excessive panting or signs of exhaustion. If your dog is like my sister’s dog, Daisy, it will simply stop when enough is enough. If you have a couch potato, introduce exercise on a gradual basis. A few minutes of fetch each day can keep dogs active.

Watch the weight: On a small frame, an extra three to five pounds can strain hips and joints. Since older animals are less active, they require fewer calories. Talk to your veterinarian about reducing portions or switching to a senior formula, which has fewer calories and often includes joint-friendly supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. A smaller-size kibble or softer food also may be necessary to aid in digestion. I’ve added a bit of warm water or veggie broth to help soften Daisy’s food during her visits.

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Read more: Dogs, Pets, Remedies & Treatments, older dogs, senior pets

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Melissah C.

5:01AM PST on Mar 11, 2011

Thanks

send a green star

Mary A.

4:19PM PST on Feb 12, 2011

Jessie, you might think about putting your mattress on the floor. That's what I did, and my girl has no trouble joining me for a god nights sleep. I don't have to worry about her falling off, either. It's great.
Our vet has her on Previcox and Arthrisoothe. They really make a difference.

Julianna D.

5:37PM PDT on Oct 29, 2010

Good lean meat based food, regular exercise, fish oil, and a soft bed to sleep in!

Megan C.

12:42PM PDT on Aug 25, 2010

I work at a specialty veterinary hospital, which offers holistic care, and I must say acupuncture and herbs can do wonders for elderly animals. We've seen great results for dogs who are suffering from arthritis, or are becoming weak in their back end. My dog has been having acupuncture treatments for 2 years to help his body fight off his cancer. Glucosamine/Chrondroitin supplements are also great for aging joints, if that doesn't work ask your vet about Rimadyl or Metacam, Rimadyl gave my parents 15+ lab mix another year of running around the yard with his best friend.

Casey i.

3:28PM PDT on Jul 1, 2010

thanks :)) i'll try to make my dogs senior years the best :)

Leisha A.

6:35AM PDT on Jun 30, 2010

Thank you for these tips. My dog is over 10 and though, like me, he thinks he's still a puppy, it's obvious that he's changing. Also like me! Hope we can continue to grow older together with a little grace.

Jessie D.

8:01AM PDT on Jun 28, 2010

Bitter sweet article. Brought tears to my eyes.

7:41AM PDT on Jun 28, 2010

Like another person commented above, this article plus the comments made me sad as well. I just looked this stuff up because about 5 minutes ago my dog was having trouble getting up on my bed. It's been happening for about half a year now. It makes me so sad:( I want to do any and everything i can to help him live a long and satisfying life.

Jeramie D.

11:13AM PDT on Jun 9, 2010

My 140 pound grouchy old man black lab/Chesapeake nix has benefited from daily hikes and losing 10 pounds and when his back legs were really bad acupuncture really worked. Hardest thing is lifting up his back side so he can climb in to my SUV. I bought a ramp, but it took up too much room in my car with 6 dogs to care for. I have rescued them all and each has it's own weirdnesses.

Lauren C.

5:55AM PDT on May 29, 2010

My whippet-shep. mix is turning 18 in July. She requires a lot of extra care just like a little old lady. Sometimes has accidents in her sleep, but still tries to make it to the door, walks slowly but loves her walks in the yard, can't see but still navigates well, can't hear well but responds to hand motions and loud clapping, Loves frequent snacks of chicken soup and cereal every 3hrs. and through the night, needs to be tucked in and helped up a lot but lets me know which. She is hanging in there and we adore her!! We do anything for her and it seems to be working. It's pure luck, though, we know.-----Laurem K.C.