Mighty Pet in Menominee, MI has the tips you need to make your dog’s golden years beautiful.
Our dogs are more than just pets–they’re members of our families. We care for our dogs through good times and bad, and we want to make sure they’re as happy and healthy as they can be well into old age. Your dog’s muzzle may be going gray, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep making memories together.
The team of pet care experts at Mighty Pet in Menominee, Michigan has put together this guide with answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about senior dog care. In this blog, you’ll find some key advice on how to keep your dog happy and healthy throughout his old age.
How old is my dog in human years?
What is considered a senior dog?
Adopting a senior dog
Senior dog food
Senior dog supplements
Senior dog health and care
Senior dog toys
How old is my dog in human years?
The old rule of thumb says that each year of a dog’s life is equivalent to seven years of a human’s life. However, in reality, it’s not quite so simple. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a more precise formula for calculating your dog’s “human age.”
For a medium sized dog, the first year of life is about 15 human years, while the second year of life equals about nine human years. After that, each year of your dog’s life is equivalent to approximately five human years.
What is considered a senior dog?
This depends on your dog’s size. Smaller dogs typically live longer than medium sized dogs, and medium sized dogs typically live longer than larger dogs. So, while small dogs like chihuahuas and dachshunds aren’t considered seniors until 11 years of age, large breeds like Great Danes are seniors at 8 years of age. Medium sized breeds like huskies, labs and Aussies are classified as seniors at 10 years of age.
Adopting a senior dog
Sadly, senior dogs are often overlooked in shelters. Adopters may be discouraged by concerns about an older dog’s health or temperament. They may fear that they will not get to enjoy as many years with an older dog as they do with a puppy. These misconceptions unfortunately cause many older dogs to spend their golden years in the shelter system. In reality, there are many benefits to adopting a senior dog.
First and foremost, with a senior dog, you likely don’t have to worry about any surprises regarding chronic health or behavioral issues. While shelter staff cannot be certain how a puppy will develop, older dogs have (for the most part) already grown into their personalities. It’s also (probably) already clear how these dogs will interact with children, other dogs and cats.
Secondly, when you adopt an older dog, you won’t have to deal with the stress of raising a puppy. While raising a puppy is a fun and rewarding experience, it’s also a thoroughly demanding one. From potty training to obedience training to those seemingly boundless reserves of puppy energy, you’ll have a big project on your hands. And while adopting a dog at any age is a serious responsibility, adopting an older dog means bringing home a more chilled out companion.
Finally, letting a senior dog into your heart and home is just a good thing to do. Puppies are undeniably cute, but older dogs can bring just as much love and joy to your family. They are just as deserving of a happy home in which to live out their golden years. In return, you’ll get a new best friend forever.
Senior dog food
As your dog ages, his nutritional needs change. For one, he needs fewer calories than he did as a puppy or young adult. Just like with humans, dogs’ metabolisms slow as they age. Your dog is also less active now than he was as a pup. That means he expends less energy, and won’t need all those replacement calories.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is of the utmost importance as he ages. Leaner dogs have longer lifespans and otherwise better health outcomes than do overweight ones. A good senior dog food will be high in protein and include some healthy fats. Many brands offer formulas specifically for a senior dog’s unique needs. Hill’s Science Diet senior dog food is one such option.
Every dog is different. Your dog’s specific health needs may mean he needs a specially tailored diet. Always communicate with your dog’s veterinarian if you have any extra questions or concerns.
Senior dog supplements
Combining a healthy senior dog food with some supplements is a great way to ensure your pet is getting all the vitamins, enzymes and minerals he needs as he ages. Some commonly recommended supplements for senior dogs include Vitamin B complex and omega-3 fatty acids (if he’s not already getting enough of these in his diet.
Some supplements can help promote a healthy weight, healthy joints, and more. The next time you take your furry friend to the vet, ask them about what supplements might be beneficial. A little extra care can go a long way for an older dog.
Senior dog health and care
In general, senior dogs will need more frequent veterinary care than younger dogs. You may want to consider visiting your vet every six months rather than once a year, as you may have been doing before. Your vet may also want to check your dog’s blood work more frequently.
Common health problems in older dogs include cancer, arthritis, kidney disease and diabetes, as well as vision and hearing loss. Frequent vet visits allow your vet to monitor your dog;s health closely and identify any troubling indicators as they may arise. Early detection is crucial in treating your dog’s health issues.
Senior dog toys
Senior dogs can play with many of the same toys as young dogs can. The key difference is making sure that you–and your dog–know your dog’s limits. If your senior dog struggles with joint pain, fetch may no longer be an option. If they’re having dental issues, chew toys may be out of the question. Be conscious of your dog’s capabilities, and keep the house stocked with toys appropriate for his age and health.
Some good options for senior dog toys include plush toys, with or without squeakers. These soft toys don’t require any tough chewing. You can throw them if your dog is in the mood for fetch, and if not, they’re great for your dog to cuddle. If you don’t mind a little noise, Tall Tails squeaker toys are a durable but plush toy option for your dog.
Senior Dog Care is a Joy With Mighty Pet in Menominee, MI
Imagine your dog’s life as a year, divided into seasons. His senior stage is like the winter of his life. In the winter, things may slow down a bit, but that just gives you more time to spend with your beloved dog. Whether your senior dog is newly adopted or you’ve raised him from birth, now is the time to share some love. Cozy up and enjoy this special season with your pet.
Caring for a senior pet shouldn’t be stressful, and with Mighty Pet at your side, it won’t be. We carry a wide selection of senior dog food, senior dog supplements, senior dog toys and everything else you need to make your dog’s golden years happy and healthy. Our fantastic team is always ready to answer any questions you might have. With Mighty Pet’s help, you can enjoy each season with your furry friend to the fullest.
