3 Mistakes Senior Pet Parents Make

Do you have an aging dog? If yes, then you know what a rewarding (but sometimes difficult) job it can be. Even when we try our hardest, sometimes there are mistakes that are made.

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Do you have an aging dog? If yes, then you know what a rewarding (but sometimes difficult) job it can be. Even when we try our hardest, sometimes there are mistakes that are made. Here are 3 mistakes we see often and why they are worth mentioning. 

#1 Not addressing obesity
Obesity is common health problem and can often be reversed through diet and exercise. However, sometimes it may be an underlying disease process that can be causing increase weight gain. It is important to discuss your pets weight gain with your veterinarian to determine the primary cause of the weight gain. Obesity increases the amount of pressure placed through the joints. This can lead to painful joints and damage to the joint surfaces. 

#2 Lack of regular physical and mental exercise
 It is recommended that you exercise your pet 30 min per day, and for some breeds up to 60 min of activity most days of the week. It seems like a lot huh? It can seem daunting but there are many ways you can exercise your dog including walking, hiking, playing fetch or tug-a-war, or sports like agility.  ​Regular physical exercise can reduce risk of obesity, prevents muscle mass loss, aids in treatment of arthritis and can increase longevity. Don’t forget about mental exercise; snuffle mats (pictured below) and treat puzzles/games are great for mental stimulation.

 #3 Inadequate nutrition
 Nutritional needs can change as our dogs age. There will need to be adjustments in calories, fiber, and protein to support the body as it ages. Some dogs who may have health conditions like diabetes, heart or kidney conditions may need a specially formulated food to manage the condition appropriately. 

Do you feel like your dog may fall into one of these categories? Let us know! We'd love to help.