Geriatric Dog Care: Special Needs for Your Senior Dog

Like older humans, older dogs are very susceptible to a wide range of health conditions.  This is a primary reason you need to take special care of your senior dog.  There are a few things you should know.  Read on for a number of important tips on geriatric dog care.

Like older humans, older dogs are very susceptible to a wide range of health conditions.  This is a primary reason you need to take special care of your senior dog.  There are a few things you should know.  Read on for a number of important tips on geriatric dog care.

    As your senior dog ages, it is vital that you take him to the vet for exams on a regular basis.  It is best that you take him every six months instead of only once a year.  This will help catch any diseases early before they have a chance to progress.  Conditions such as osteoarthritis and organ failure are common problems.


    Proper exercise is also an important part of geriatric dog care.  It can be harder for older dogs to move around as well as they used to.  If they do not get the proper exercise they need, their muscles may start to degenerate.  Obesity can also become a problem.  That is why you need to ensure your senior dog gets plenty of exercise.


    It is also a good idea to provide your senior dog with an orthopedic foam bed.  These beds help distribute your dog's weight evenly.  This has the effect of reducing pressure on his joints.  Reduced pressure is essential for preventing arthritis.


    Another important part of geriatric dog care involves taking proper care of your dog's senses.  His senses like sight and smell will deteriorate over time.  You can help prevent his senses from becoming dull by keeping your dog active.


    Your dog's kidneys are particularly prone to wearing out over time.  This can lead to hormonal imbalances.  It is common for senior dogs to start having bathroom accidents around this time.  These accidents are often not their fault.  Rather they are due to various medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure. 


    Senior dogs need a different diet than their younger counterparts.  It is best for you to buy specially-formulated foods designed to help meet these requirements.  This will help prevent the onset of various health conditions.



As your senior dog ages, you need to keep an eye on his behavior so you can notice any changes early.  There are a range of health conditions which your dog will become prone to as he ages.  You will want to schedule vet visits every six months so you can catch any conditions as early as possible.  It is also best to provide your older dog with an orthopedic foam bed to help protect his joints and prevent arthritis.  Taking the best care of your older dog is not all that difficult.  Just start with these important tips and follow the direction of your veterinarian.

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