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Geriatric Dog Care
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Geriatric Dog Care

Caring for geriatric dogs requires a little more attention than that of their younger counterparts. The important thing to remember is to follow a routine for your dog, whether young or old. Whether you get your dog as a pup or you get your dog as an older dog, develop a steady routine and stick with it.

Dogs love and rely on a steady routine. This is extremely important for older dogs who may have a difficult time holding their urine or bowel movements.

They’re really not much different than we are when we get older. We get set in our ways. We want what we want, when we want it.

You might notice your old pal getting a little more anxious around dinner or snack time. In fact one of my older dogs (who has long since passed), would stand right next to me at dinner time and chatter her teeth. She was so excited that dinner was on the way. 😮

They like to know what time breakfast and dinner will be (doesn’t have to be exact, but close). What time they will go for their walk. When can they expect their treats?


Ball time? Whatever it is that you do for your senior dog, try and do it the same time everyday.

This helps to keep your dog relaxed and secure. Of course there are times that life gets in the way and this is expected, but for the most part, stick with a regular schedule.


The most important thing regarding geriatric dog care is to pay close attention to any changes in your dog’s behavior.

Geriatric Dog Care And Caring For Your Old Dog

  • Feeding your geriatric dog a quality dog food that includes a HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN is very important for your old dog. Older dogs need a good source of protein and I don’t mean corn or other grains. I feed a dehydrated (actually freeze-dried food) called Grandma Lucy’s Artisan
    and each dog gets one can of Wellness Ninety Five Percent added to it along with the other supplements that I’ve mentioned here. You can also visit my 10 best dog food page for additional ideas.
  • Feed him from a raised dog bowl and NOT from the floor.
  • Include supplements such as probiotics and digestive enzymes to keep his immune system strong and help with flatulance and any other digestive upsets.
  • Include Omega 3’s for his heart, arthritis and skin.
  • Keep your old doggy clean. Dogs like to be clean; it makes them feel good just like it does us. This includes his ears.
  • Brush his teeth regularly and if you’re smart you’ll start this as soon as you get your dog and not wait until he’s old and his teeth are in terrible condition. You can read more about the product that I use for my own dogs. It’s an excellent all natural dog tooth paste that removes plaque and tarter – GUARANTEED to clean up those teeth!
  • Exercise should be a regular part of your geriatric dog care regimen.

    Your dog needs exercise, daily. If he has trouble getting around, take him for several small walks daily. If he doesn’t, take him for a nice long walk every day. My sixteen your old yellow lab walked approximately one mile daily.
  • Provide a nice, comfortable orthopedic dog bed and keep it away from the air conditioning vent and any drafty areas.

These simple geriatric dog care steps will ensure that your old dog feels good, strong and healthy and will hopefully remain this way for years to come.

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