Tag Archives: senior dog care

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Playing With A Senior Dog

Playing is one of the best things you can do for your canine buddy. It’s also very beneficial for senior dogs! As Fido grows older, running and jumping will help keep him strong physically. Playing also provides mental stimulation, which is great for his mind. However, there are some things to keep in mind when playing with an older dog. A local Georgetown, IN vet discusses playing with senior dogs below.

Try Different Toys

As Fido ages, he may develop issues with his vision and/or hearing. Try using toys that light up or make noise.

Short Sessions

Your furry friend won’t have as much energy or stamina as he used to. Fido may be tired out after just a few rounds of Fetch. Instead of spending long chunks of time playing with your canine pal, break doggy playtime into several short sessions. Even a few minutes of jumping and running will help!

Don’t Crowd Fido

Younger dogs often like to run and play with their buddies, which is super cute to watch. Older dogs, however, are much more fragile, and just can’t withstand roughhousing from younger pups. Play with Fido by himself or with another dog his age.

Watch The Weather

Older dogs are very sensitive to weather extremes. Don’t encourage Fido to run and play when it’s really hot out. Also, make sure your pooch always has water available.

Don’t Overdo It

Dogs love to try to please their humans. If Fido seems tired, don’t try to make him play. Just let your old buddy rest!

Check With Your Vet

As your furry buddy ages, his needs will change. Ask your vet for specific recommendations about the amount and type of play Fido needs. It’s worth noting that many dogs develop arthritis or hip dysplasia in their golden years. Don’t encourage your faithful pet to jump or to stand on his back legs. That will put a lot of stress on his hips, which can exacerbate these painful bone/joint conditions.

Offer Rewards

Keeping that cute tail going will be one of your biggest jobs as your furry pal ages. Make playtime extra fun for Fido by incorporating treats, praise, and belly rubs. Just don’t go overboard with the treats: you don’t want your pooch becoming obese!

Do you have questions about caring for your senior dog? Call us, your Georgetown, IN vet clinic, anytime!

Dog Care, General Care

Caring for a Deaf Dog

Did you know that May 3rd is Specially-Abled Pets Day? Just like people, some of our animal companions have medical issues. However, our furry friends are very resilient, and can often cope with things like vision or hearing impairments, and even missing limbs, just fine. Deafness is one issue that isn’t uncommon in dogs. Some of our canine companions are born deaf, while others lose their hearing from injuries, infections, or even old age. However, Fido can do just fine, even if he can’t hear well, or at all. In this article, a Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on caring for a deaf dog.

Ring The Bell

Put a bell on your pet’s collar. Fido won’t hear you if you call him, so this will help you know where your pup is in the house.

Stomp It Out

Avoid sneaking up on your pooch from behind, especially when he’s sleeping. No one likes to be startled awake! This can be both annoying and a little scary for dogs with hearing issues. Fido will be quite sensitive to vibrations in the floor. Stomp your foot before approaching him, and make sure he knows you are there. (Tip: if you want to wake your dog up, put some food beneath his nose.)

Hand Signals

Did you know that dogs can learn to respond to hand signals just as easily as voice commands? Teach Fido the doggy sign language versions of basic commands like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Go through these commands regularly, so your canine pal doesn’t forget them.

Flashlight Code

Another thing that can help is to teach Fido to come to you when you wave a flashlight. This can be very helpful when calling your furry buddy in after dark!

Let People Know

If you have guests coming over, make sure they know that your pooch is deaf. You may also want to consider putting an extra tag on Fido’s collar that lets people know about your furry friend’s hearing problems.

Security

Never let Fido run around off-leash, except of course in a fenced yard. Your canine buddy won’t hear cars or people approaching. Needless to say, this can be very dangerous!

Do you have questions about caring for a deaf dog? Please contact us, your local Georgetown, IN pet hospital, any time. We are dedicated to providing excellent veterinary care!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Keep Your Dog Healthy During Her Golden Years

Your ten-year-old golden retriever Sophie savors her golden years. She has a super-comfy custom bed, and she receives her food before your younger dog. Although Sophie is pampered silly, she’s also an energetic girl who enjoys her daily neighborhood walks. You’d like your canine housemate to stay healthy, so your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian gives her regular physical checkups. She also benefits from a tailored health program.

Nutritious Senior Diet

Sophie has always been a canine gourmand, savoring her vet-recommended meals and snacks. Her top-notch diet provided her body with quality protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Although she still needs these nutrients, the proportions have likely changed. Since she has slowed down, she should reduce her daily calorie intake.

Before prescribing your dog’s diet, the vet pinpointed her daily nutritional needs and exercise habits. If Sophie had packed on weight, she might select a tailored weight-loss formulation. If she was affected by a chronic medical condition, she could choose a food that supported her treatment plan.

Consistent Canine Vaccinations

Although your companion is an older girl, she still needs vaccinations that protect her against dangerous and infectious canine diseases. After considering her age, health situation, and lifestyle, the vet will administer the proper vaccines.

Beneficial Dental Care

Sophie knows she’s a photogenic pooch, and her gleaming white teeth have enhanced her good looks. Of course, she has always received professional dental care. During each physical checkup, the vet examines her teeth and gums, handling emerging problems. With regular dental cleanings, and consistent home brushing sessions, her choppers literally shine.

Enjoyable Light Exercise

Sophie treasures her twice-daily neighborhood jaunts. Besides visiting with her canine friends, she angles for head scratches from her human fans. This beneficial exercise helps her to avoid obesity. Ask the vet to recommend other body-friendly workouts, such as slow-paced fetch games or delightful warm-water swims.

If your dog seems to feel pain when she stands or walks normally, or scales the steps, tell the vet. She can prescribe helpful medications and/or therapies.

During each physical exam, your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian tweaks Sophie’s health plan and addresses emerging medical issues. If you’ve noticed changes in her food and water intake, or her urinary and/or defecation habits, inform the vet. To provide your senior companion with a tailored health program, contact us for an appointment.