Tip one Senior-proof your home
As your dog ages, you may need to make changes to the regular routine. Such as, climbing the stairs can become very difficult, so keep food and water as well as sleeping areas on one level if possible. If you live in a single story home this is easy however if you live in a multiple level home keep sleeping and eating areas on one level.
My dogs don’t spend a whole lot of time outdoors but if yours does you may want to limit their time outside and monitor their behavior for any signs of anxiety when outside and keep any threats away. If your dog suffers from a disability, such as blindness, hearing loss, or mobility issues, talk to your vet about any special things you can do to make their living accommodations more comfortable for them.
Tip two Watch your pup eat
Is she having trouble chewing that kibble? Many senior dogs struggle with dental issues and may need to switch to different foods. Another common issue associated with canine aging is problems with digestion. Foods designed specifically for senior dogs often include ingredients that are easier to digest and may even include supplements that help alleviate symptoms associated with aging.
I started feeding both girls Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Formula a few moths ago and I have to say I think they both are a little sharper, a little cuter and a little funnier! They both have little quirks! Sophie dances in circles when its mealtime! Both girls are doing great other than age associated difficulties they are doing just fine. Since starting Purina Pro Plan Bright Minds Formula both girls coats are so soft and shiny. Cinnie is more alert and Sophie is really starting to become more social than she has been.
I have to say changing to Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Formula has been a great decision. This formula is designed specifically for the senior canine!
Purina® Pro Plan® Bright Mind™ Adult 7+ formulas contain a special blend of enhanced botanical oils shown to promote memory, attention and trainability in dogs age 7+. Differences you may see in your dog are in his interaction with you, interest in playing, and ability to adapt and cope with change
Like puppies, senior dogs have special dietary needs. For example, many older dogs benefit from diets that are high in protein to help maintain lean body mass. Foods that are optimal for senior dogs have the following characteristics:
- Slightly decreased fat (vs. adult food). A diet with less fat helps your senior dog maintain a healthy body condition.
- High level of antioxidants. Senior dogs can benefit from antioxidants that help support their immune systems.
- Highly digestible formula. Your senior dog’s digestive system can benefit from a product that is easy to digest
You can find Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Formula at your local Petsmart!
Also be sure to visit Purina at these social media hot spots!
Twitter–Facebook–Instagram–Website
And last but not least Tip Three and in my mind I think the most important Embrace the every day
I dont even want to think about losing either of my girls but I know that as my girls get older I have fewer and fewer days to just be with them and bask in thier unconditional love. Instead of dwelling on this use it to remind you to live in the moment embrace the every day. I try to take time everyday to snuggle up with Cinnie, hold Sophie and pet her head which is something she enjoys. My girls love to go for rides in the car your senior dog may like a short walk. Appreciate every moment you have to spend with your dog. This is something that I am grateful for.
What do you like to do with your pet?
This post is sponsored by Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping enrich the lives of senior dogs, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND is not responsible for the content of this article.
I like what this article mentions about special dietary needs for older dogs. I didn’t realize that they could require different types of food, and different amounts. I’ll have to keep this in mind while my dog is getting older.
You have some great tips here about taking care of our senior pets! Nutrition is so important. The smaller size kibble helps very much with my two bichons!
JeanneP of bichonpawz recently posted..BW Sunday: Chloe Girl
I really didn’t that 7 years old dog as a called senior dog. We need to taking care of our dogs from seven. Thanks for the information.
Bradley recently posted..Can Dogs Cry And Do They Cry From Emotions?
Bradley,yes not my definition, but most Veterinarians consider dogs over the age of 7 to be seniors! I think you meant to say we need to take care of our pets from day one!!
Wow!! These are amazing tips & has helped me a lot. I will do the changes as you have suggested to make my pet feel comfortable.
I have 2 dogs and they both are 8 years old. They are both senior dog now and deserve some respects from the puppies. Very interesting article 🙂
I have 2 dogs and they both are 8 years old now. They both are senior dog now and deserve some respects from the puppies. Thanks Laura for sharing such an interesting article.
Wow!! These are amazing tips & has helped me a lot. I will do the changes as you have suggested to make my pet feel comfortable.
Laura, needed to compose you a very little word to thank you yet again regarding the nice suggestions you’ve contributed here.
Kevin Davies recently posted..Best Dog Training Collar in 2017 – Reviews and Inside Tips
I had no idea 7 was the age that dogs are considered seniors! I’ll definitely have to keep these tips in mind as my dogs continue to age, thanks so much for sharing!
My miniature schnauzer needed some serious TLC towards the end of his life. I’m not sure I realized that his diet needed to change. Good article!
Thank you, as always, for the helpful advice on caring for senior dogs. I need to do more research on caring for senior dogs.
Senior at 7? I had no idea! Connie looks so adorable, thanks for these tips to try and keep our best friends around a little while longer =)
Your article is worth sharing.yes every dog more than 7 year old is a senior dog.I have one senior boxer dog 🙂
That is a great tips about taking care of our senior dogs!
Good article! I think that is a good idea of trying to keep food and water in one area. I think if you can’t do that, then maybe have food and water for upstairs as well as downstairs. I completely agree to try and get those extra snuggles as they get older.
My dog is just starting to get their first gray hairs. I’m glad I found this article. These tips will help make my dogs senior years more enjoyable for the both of us.
Mark YOurng recently posted..Best Dog Food for Shedding and Dry Skin
It is cool to learn these tips. It will help pet owners take care of pets easily and safely. Thanks for these awesome information. I will apply for my dog now.
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Hi Laura,
It’s great to come across an article talking about the importance of nutrition for our senior canine friends.
Dogs are so great at being optimistic that we often don’t realize that as they get older they need different support from their food. The reduced fat and antioxidants are great additions to any food for our senior companions.
Rosemary recently posted..How to Cure Dog Car Anxiety
My pet pug is 5 years old, he is very active, good with climbing stairs, and enjoys his meals without any issues. but in the next few years, he will get older and I will need his movements and diet monitored.
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