Older Small Dogs 

If you have a senior older dog, you may wonder how to provide the best care for your ageing companion. At Dogs VIP, we understand that older dogs have special needs and require more attention and comfort. That's why we offer tailored services and amenities for older dogs, as well as health checkups and special diets. We will address some of the most frequently asked topics, older dog care, and explain how Dogs VIP can help you and your dog enjoy their golden years. Introduction to Senior Dog Care Dogs live for an average of around 12 years, although many live for much longer. As dogs age, their dietary requirements, exercise needs, and health conditions can change. They may also experience some decline in their hearing, vision, and cognitive abilities. Therefore, it is important to monitor your senior dog's behaviour and appearance and consult your vet regularly. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about senior dog care: - How do I know if my dog is a senior? Since dogs of various shapes and types age at varying rates, there is no conclusive answer to this topic. As a basic guideline, little dogs are regarded as senior at the age of 11, medium dogs at age 10, huge dogs at age 8, and gigantic dogs at age 7. How often is it OK to take my elderly dog to the vet? It is advised that you bring your elderly dog in for a standard examination and blood work at least once a year. This can help detect any signs of illness or disease early and provide appropriate treatment. Some vets even run clinics especially for senior pets. - How can I keep my older dog comfortable? Older dogs may need more rest and sleep than younger dogs. They may also be more sensitive to cold and heat. You can help your senior dog by providing them with a soft, cosy bed in a quiet and warm place, away from draughts and noise. You can also put a rug or carpet on slippery floors to help them walk more easily. If your dog has trouble with stairs or getting into the car, you can use a ramp or a lift harness to assist them. Tailored Services for Older Dogs At Dogs VIP, we know that older dogs deserve special care and attention. That's why we offer tailored services and amenities designed for their well-being and comfort. Some of these include: - Senior-friendly grooming: We use gentle products and techniques to groom your senior dog, taking into account their skin condition, coat quality, and mobility. We also trim their nails more often if they are less active. - Senior-friendly playtime: We provide your senior dog with appropriate toys and puzzles that stimulate their mind and keep them entertained. We also supervise their playtime with other dogs and make sure they are not overwhelmed or stressed. - Senior-friendly accommodation: We provide your senior dog with a spacious and comfortable area that has soft bedding, heating, and ventilation. We also ensure that they have easy access to water, food, toys, and staff. - Senior-friendly transportation: We offer a pick-up and drop-off service for your senior dog, using a comfortable and safe vehicle that has ramps and harnesses. Here are some of the questions we often get asked about our services for older dogs: - How much do you charge for your services for older dogs? Depending on the kind and length of service you select, our costs change. View our price list by visiting our website or get in touch with us for a quote. - How do I book your services for my senior dog? You can book our services online through our website. We will ask you some questions about your senior dog's health history, personality, preferences, and special needs. We will also arrange a trial overnight with you and your dog before their first stay with us. - What if my senior dog has a medical condition or needs medication? We are happy to accommodate senior dogs with medical conditions or medication needs, as long as they are stable and manageable. We have trained staff who can administer oral or topical medication as instructed by your vet. We also have a vet on call in case of emergencies. Health Checkups and Special Diets One of the most important aspects of senior dog care is ensuring that they have regular health checkups and specialised diets. As dogs age, they may develop various health problems, such as arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, dental disease, cancer, and more. These can affect their quality of life and require appropriate treatment and management. They may also need to adjust their diet to suit their changing nutritional needs and prevent obesity or malnutrition. Here are some of the key points to remember about health checkups and special diets for senior dogs: - Weigh your dog monthly and track their weight trends, either up or down. If you observe any notable variations in their weight or appetite, consult your vet. - Give your older dog a premium food that is suitable for their size, age, breed, and overall health. You may need to switch to a senior dog food that has lower calories, higher protein, and added supplements. You may also need to feed your dog smaller and more frequent meals to reduce their digestive workload. - Make sure your elderly dog has access to clean water at all times. Older dogs may drink more or less than usual, depending on their health condition and medication. If you see any changes in their water intake, measure it accurately and report it to your vet. - Take your senior dog to the vet at least once a year for a routine checkup and blood tests. This can help detect any signs of illness or disease early and provide appropriate treatment. Also, your veterinarian could advise more regular visits or additional tests depending on your dog's health status. - Follow your vet's advice on medication, supplements, and treatments for your senior dog. Some common medications for older dogs include painkillers, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, steroids, and insulin. Some common supplements for older dogs include glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Here are some of the questions we often get asked about health checkups and special diets for senior dogs: - How do I know if my senior dog is in pain or discomfort? Some signs that your senior dog may be in pain or discomfort include limping, stiffness, reluctance to move or jump, licking or biting at a specific area, whining or groaning, panting or breathing heavily, hiding or avoiding contact, changes in appetite or behaviour, and aggression or irritability. If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. - How can I keep my elderly dog's teeth healthy? In elderly dogs, dental disease is quite frequent and can result in discomfort, infection, tooth loss, and systemic issues. By using a toothpaste that is suitable for dogs and a toothbrush with soft bristles once a day, you may help your dog avoid dental illness. Additionally, you may provide your dog with dental chews or toys that aid with gum and tooth cleaning. You should also take your dog to the vet for regular dental checkups and professional cleaning. - How can I help my senior dog with arthritis? Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease which leads to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in older dogs. You can help your senior dog with arthritis maintaining a healthy weight for them, giving them soft bedding and ramps, giving them gentle exercise and massage, and following your vet's advice on medication and supplements. Comfortable Environments for Ageing Dogs Another aspect of senior dog care is creating comfortable environments suitable for ageing dogs. As dogs get older, they may become more sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, noise, light, and odours. They may also develop some level of hearing loss or vision impairment that can affect their orientation and navigation. Therefore, it is important to make some adjustments to your home and surroundings to make them more comfortable and safe for your senior dog. Here are some of the ways you can create comfortable environments for ageing dogs: - Keep your home at a comfortable temperature for your senior dog. Avoid extreme heat or cold that can cause dehydration or hypothermia. You can use fans, heaters, blankets, or coats to help regulate your dog's body temperature. - Reduce noise levels in your home that can startle or stress your senior dog. Avoid sudden loud noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, or doorbells. You can use white noise machines, music, or TV to mask unwanted noises. - Provide adequate lighting in your home that can help your senior dog see better. Avoid bright lights that can hurt their eyes or dark areas that can make them feel insecure. You can use night lights, lamps, or candles to create a cosy atmosphere. - Eliminate odours in your home that can irritate or confuse your senior dog. Avoid strong scents such as perfumes, cleaners, or candles that can overwhelm their sense of smell. Natural items like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon can be used to freshen up your home. - Make your home accessible and safe for your senior dog. Remove any obstacles or hazards that can trip or injure them such as wires, cords, rugs, toys, or furniture. You can also use gates, fences, or crates to restrict their access to dangerous areas such as stairs, kitchen, or garden.