By the time your dog becomes a senior, a lot of things have changed, from their dietary needs to the amount of exercise they need. As dogs get older, it takes more work on your part to keep them healthy and maintain their quality of life. As your companion and family member, you want to keep them safe and comfortable all their life. So, here are some tips for how to keep your senior dog healthy.
What Do Senior Dogs Need in Their Diet?
An ideal diet for a senior dog will depend on their specific nutritional needs and their breed. Every dog is different, so there is no real way to determine a “one food fits all” approach. However, it is widely accepted among researchers that a dog’s dietary needs change as they age. Finding a diet that works may be more challenging if they have a medical condition. For example, if your dog has a heart or kidney condition, they’ll need food that is low in sodium.
Here are some dietary guidelines for senior dogs:
- Senior dogs tend to lose muscle mass and need protein to rebuild those muscles. They may even need more protein as they get older.
- Weight management is even more important for senior dogs. Don’t let your dog overeat—this includes treats—and make sure they get enough exercise.
- You may need to add dietary supplements or find a senior-formula dog food that contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy joints, skin, and coat.
NEVER make changes to your pet’s diet without consulting your veterinarian first. At Aztec Pet Hospital, we offer nutritional counseling to help you determine the best diet for your four-legged friend.
How Much Exercise Does a Senior Dog Need?
Senior dogs still need at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise every day. The amount will depend on several factors, including your dog’s breed, how active they were in their younger years, etc. The more active your dog was when they were younger, the more exercise they will need to stay healthy as a senior.
Senior dogs tend to lose muscle mass and gain weight as they age. Daily exercise will help them to maintain muscle mass, stay at a healthy weight, and keep their joints mobile. It can also help ward off other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and even neurological disorders like dementia.
Some other ideas to consider for keeping your senior dog active include:
- Using food puzzles to stave off boredom and keep them active.
- If you have a backyard with grass, you can spread treats around the yard and have your dog sniff them out. This way, they have to find the treats to eat them, keeping them active. Do not do this if you have a more sandy backyard. Sand can cause stomach and intestinal issues if ingested.
- Have them walk in a figure 8 style pattern to keep them mobile and flexible.
More Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy
There are many other ways besides diet and exercise to keep your senior dog healthy. For example, your dog may need more frequent veterinary visits (at least twice a year) to make sure everything is going smoothly. Or, if they have a health condition, they may need veterinary treatment or physical therapy. Regular dental checkups will also help prevent tooth loss, pain, infections, and loss of appetite. Routine blood work may help identify a problem with the liver or kidneys before it becomes a big problem.
We also recommend that you make your dog’s environment as comfortable and easily accessible as possible. Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your companion’s safety:
- Extra water stations throughout your house.
- Get your dog a new bed for better comfort.
- A heated bed can help your senior dog regulate their body temperature, which is more difficult the older they get.
- Keep walkways and areas your dog regularly visits free from clutter and spills.
Prioritize Your Senior Dog’s Health with Expert Veterinary Care
It may be challenging to adjust to senior life at first, but the more prepared you are for it, the smoother it will go. A good first step is talking to your vet about choosing a proper diet and age-appropriate exercise. At Aztec Pet Hospital, our clients and their pet parents are like family. If your dog is getting closer to their senior years, contact us to schedule an appointment. We can help walk you through the possible changes that are coming your way.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (03/06/2025) Photo by Linoleum Creative Collective on Unsplash