I have been working as a clinical veterinarian for more than 16 years. More and more dogs have entered old age. Many owners often ask me if there is anything else I can do for their old dogs. With this question, I have thought about it for a long time. , I hope some of the methods below can be helpful to you.

With the rapid development of pet diagnosis and treatment in China, our veterinary diagnosis and treatment technology has improved a lot than in the past, and nutritional knowledge is also different. We have the ability to help pet owners and let your dogs live longer and have a better life. better quality. The following methods are available for responsible pet owners to help their dogs achieve a higher quality of life.

The first step is to take him to the pet hospital for regular physical examination

If you love your pets, the best way is to detect potential diseases in their bodies at an early stage. We strongly recommend that you take them to the pet hospital every six months for a comprehensive physical evaluation to check their cardiopulmonary function, vision, body temperature, etc. . Animal hospitals will conduct targeted blood routine, urinalysis, biochemistry and blood pressure examinations for elderly animals.

The second step: Changes in food for the elderly

As age changes, their metabolism of fat and protein also changes. Of course, many chronic diseases also need to be considered, such as kidney disease or diabetes. These diseases require the use of special prescription foods under the guidance of a veterinarian. Many brands of food have produced food specifically for elderly animals, with richer nutrients. For example, more Omega 3 is good for skin health, and more glucosamine helps arthritis. Listen to your veterinarian’s advice for your pet!

The third step is to prevent obesity

Most animals gain weight as they age. This is mainly because the basal metabolic rate of older animals slows down and the time for exercise also decreases. Excessive obesity can easily lead to diabetes, hypothyroidism and arthritis. So to avoid these problems, you need to tailor their diet to the animal's actual conditions. The amount of feeding should mainly meet the daily calorie needs, and the intake of snacks should be limited so that their weight can be easily controlled. Encouraging them to exercise more is also a positive approach. Daily exercise, toys, or water therapy are all great ways to exercise your older dog.

Step 4: The temperature should not change too much

Elderly animals are very sensitive to temperature changes. In summer, in order to avoid heat stroke, it is best to spend more time indoors; in winter, avoid playing in small amounts in subzero temperatures. Too low a temperature may also cause frostbite. It is necessary to add some comfortable blankets or mats to their living areas. Wear some boots to protect their feet when going out in the winter, especially in very cold places.

Step 5: Reduce stress

As pets age, their vision and hearing will decrease, and they will be much worse than when they were young. Try to keep them in a quiet location in the room to avoid accidental collisions. If your pet used to go to bed, but now needs a ladder to make it easier for them to move around.