TIPS ON HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR AGING PETS

How to support your pets health during this time in their lives.

1. Stay Active

While your dog may no longer be able to go for those 5 mile runs or take on high difficulty hiking trails anymore, you can still help to keep both their body and mind active in a multitude of ways. Many people may not think about their dogs mind as deteriorating as they age but, sadly, some pets do experience mental changed as they age. You can help by keeping their mind engaged as simple as taking your dog to the dog park to meet new dogs and people or by teaching that old dog a new trick. When you do take your dog out for a walk or short run, make sure the terrain is soft (grass and dirt are easier on joints than concrete) and keep the excursion short or have frequent breaks.

2. Age Related Injuries

As your pet ages, they inevitably become weaker and more susceptible to various injuries and chronic conditions such as CCL tears and arthritis. CCL tears are similar to ACL tears in humans and will need extra support, we suggest you look into dog knee braces. These braces work just like human orthopedic braces by giving support to the injured leg so your dog does not put additional strain on their other legs. These dog braces allow your dog to heal naturally without the need for surgery, which many older pets can't have due to the high anesthetic risk. Dog knee braces also can be used to help relieve pain pets with arthritis may experience.

There are multiple pet bracing companies, such as OrthoPets, Posh Dog Knee Brace, and Hero, to look into which can be overwhelming. Our personal favorite company is Animal Ortho Care. They offer a variety of dog braces so you aren't restricted when choosing braces for your pets (plus they have a variety of color options for their custom braces so your pet can look stylish!)

3. Joint Supplements

You can also support your pets joints by providing them with supplements that will rebuild cartilage that cushions your pets step. There's a wide variety of supplements to choose from ranging from inexpensive to veterinary prescribed. Some simple and easy to implement supplement options include a bone broth, which is a broth made by boiling bones which provides your dog both calcium for their joints and nutrients to support their immune system, and turmeric, which can help reduce inflammation, added to their regular food. Other options that may cost more include MSM, a natural chemical compound found in pets that help the body absorb nutrients, and Glucosamine, which helps build cartilage.

4. Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is a great option to help keep your pets joints and muscles strong. This is also a great option if you've noticed your pet is having a harder time getting around. There are many options when it comes to canine rehabilitation so you can customize your dogs plan based on what they need. Some of the most popular therapies involve hydrotherapy, where a dog walks on a submerged treadmill or swims while supported, and simple massages and stretches.

If you are not able to take your dog to physical therapy, try doing some at home rehabilitation to help alleviate chronic conditions. Depending on how involved you want to be, you can start off with watching some youtube videos. Follow along with your dog and do the stretches for the specific joint or condition you are trying to alleviate. I would recommend watching Mark Smith DVM on youtube, he has some great massage techniques.

5. Accessibility

With age, limited mobility often follows. You may notice your pet has a harder time getting around the house, they may struggle going up and down stairs, jumping on and off the couch, and may not be able to get themselves into your car unassisted. All these things can be distressing for both you and your pet. Luckily, there are options to help you and your pet adjust to their new mobility needs. For helping them get on and off the couch, you can get ramps that adjust height so you can move it from couch to bed. You can also get ramps for your car that allow your pet to get in and out of the back seat without needing you to lift them (this is especially helpful if your dog is not a small dog).

6. Pain Management

If your pet has arthritis, they may be in pain. This is an unfortunate reality but don't worry, you can help your pet be comfortable in their senior years. Many of the care tips already given in this blog can help reduce pain naturally. However, pain meds prescribed by a veterinarian are one of the guaranteed ways to ensure your pet isn't in any pain. If you're worried about giving your senior pet daily medication or if you know they hate taking pills, there are still great options for reducing pain.

There is new technology, known as Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) that can help reduce pain and inflammation. PEMF is often used for human therapy and is now being used for animal therapy as well. Animal Ortho Care's Embrace line offers many different ways of delivering this amazing therapy method to your pet.