Is your dog entering—or already in—his golden years? It can be hard to realize that your faithful pet is aging. As your four-legged buddy grows older, his loyalty and love won’t waver, but you may need to make some minor changes to his care regimen. Good food, proper exercise, and regular veterinary care will all still be crucial to your pet’s health, while belly rubs and treats will keep his tail wagging. However, there are also some smaller things you can do to keep your beloved pet happy and comfortable in his senior years. Here, a Town N Country vet lists some great ways to spoil an older dog.

Good Bedding

Making sure that Fido can sleep comfortably is very important! We recommend getting your furry friend a good, orthopedic doggy bed. There are few things cuter than a senior dog peacefully dozing in the sunshine!

Doggy Massage

Older dogs often get various aches and pains, and can get quite stiff and sore. A good massage can be just as relaxing and beneficial for dogs as it is for people. Treat your four-legged pal to a day at a doggy spa! For extra tail wags, get him some puppy ice cream afterwards.

Pet Ramps

Fido may have a hard time climbing stairs, or getting in and out of the car, as he gets older. Get your canine friend some doggy ramps or stairs, so he can get around more easily.

Swimming Sessions

This suggestion won’t be right for every dog, as not all pooches like water. However, if your pup enjoys swimming, indulge him! Because the water will support Fido’s weight, this can be a great way for him to get some exercise without putting a lot of stress on his bones and joints. Just be sure to put safety first: never leave your furry buddy by the water unattended. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Paw Care

Be sure to take good care of Fido’s furry feet. Keep his nails trimmed, so they don’t get too long. In summer, use paw balm or wax to protect your dog’s paws. Otherwise, your canine pal could get painful burns or blisters from walking on hot surfaces.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Town N Country pet hospital, for all your senior dog’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!