It’s tough trying to figure out what to do when your dog’s health is in decline.
This is especially true when you think back on how active your dog was in their younger years.
When faced with this challenging situation, it’s beneficial to understand the signs and symptoms associated with a decline in your dog’s health.
Ready for the silver lining?
There are a few things you can do to make your dog more comfortable during these challenging times.
Let’s get into it.
Is Your Dog’s Health on the Decline?
Everyone ages, even the cute little puppy you struggled with through those troubling puppy phases.
It seems like it happens overnight when you suddenly notice them moving slower or limping for no apparent reason.
There are a few things to look out for when you suspect your dog’s health is on the decline, including, but not limited to the following:
- Pacing
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Mobility issues
- Vision Problems
- Change is weight
- Change in appetite
- Incontinence issues
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Gum disease and/or bad breath
- Fear of familiar people or objects
Of course, all dogs are different, so the onset of signs and symptoms can vary quite a bit, but mobility issues tend to be one of the first signs pet owners notice.
It’s possible your dog used to jump on the couch or run up and down the stairs with no issue at all—but now it’s more of a challenge for them.
Paying your veterinarian is a great first step when you start to notice some of these issues affecting your dog.
After all, you want them to be as happy and as comfortable as possible.
You also want to stay consistent with those check-ups as older pets start to develop health issues that are treatable if addressed early enough.
What You Can Do About It
When you notice any of the signs above, it’s only natural to worry at first.
Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to accommodate your dog once you get past the initial worry and concern.
Healthy Food Choices
Start by providing a healthy, balanced diet for your dog. Since energy levels drop with older age and health issues, it’s easy for them to put on some extra pounds, and you don’t want to add obesity to the list of issues.
There are plenty of dog foods on the market designed for senior dogs, so it’s all about getting the healthiest option your dog wants to eat.
Don’t worry; most pet stores will let you swap out foods if your dog doesn’t like them. This way, you’re not shelling out money and wasting food in the process.
Consistent Exercise
Regular exercise is beneficial to everyone—even for our dogs.
With regular exercise, you can help to maintain a healthy weight for your dog. This is important because the extra weight can worsen mobility issues.
Start with short walks and increase the duration if you see they can handle a bit more, without overdoing it, of course.
Overall, you want low-impact exercises for your senior dog to boost physical and mental health.
Oral Health
It’s also a great idea to stay on top of your dog’s dental hygiene, especially if you have a senior-aged dog.
But, this still tends to be one of the most neglected aspects of dog care since it’s hard to get some dogs to sit still long enough to brush.
If you have issues brushing your dog’s teeth, you can seek outside help at a grooming salon or veterinarian office.
You can also give your dog teeth-cleaning pet treats to fight build-up and bad breath.
Try CBD for Dogs
Dogs experience all sorts of minor aches and pains associated with aging.
CBD for dogs provides an all-natural way to reduce discomfort for your dog, so they have the best quality of life.
It’s best to assess your pet’s needs and search for a CBD product that best matches their needs. For example, if your dog suffers from the mobility issues we mentioned, CBD Pet Treats for Joint and Mobility would be an excellent fit for your dog.
On the other hand, if your dog is more on edge and tense lately, the CBD Pet Treats for Stress and Anxiety would work better since they contain soothing and calming ingredients like chamomile and valerian root.
You can also try CBD oil for dogs if you find your dog needs a higher concentration down the road.
CBD works naturally within your dog’s system since they have an endocannabinoid system—all mammals do. It’s best to start slow and work your way up in concentration, so you know what serving amount works best for the issue you’re trying to address for your dog.
Oh, and remember, it’s important for your dog to take their CBD every day so it can build up in their system and provide enhanced effects.
Some dogs have lower levels of naturally-occurring cannabinoids, so they need to take it every day to let it build up in their system.
It’s also helpful to pair their CBD serving with fatty fish or oil since CBD is oil-soluble and needs this component to absorb in your dog’s system correctly.
All in all, if your dog’s health is on the decline, adding CBD can provide some much-needed relief with little effort on both ends.
Provide Special Accommodations
Last but not least, when you see your dog struggling in their daily routine, it’s helpful to provide some special accommodations to assist them.
This assistance also ensures they don’t further injure themselves trying to follow their usual routine.
For example, you can provide steps or ramps to help them move about the house or softer bedding in the area they sleep or rest in.
Main Takeaway
These are some simple steps you can take when you notice your dog’s health is in decline. You’ll start to catch some of the signs and symptoms listed above.
When you do, take these tips into account and apply them as needed so your dog is comfortable during this phase of its life.
Thinking your dog could benefit from CBD?
Explore our CBD Pet Collection and find the best fit today!