Summer Care For Senior Dogs

Is your canine companion in his golden years? Dogs somehow manage to keep getting cuter throughout the course of their lives, but become even super extra lovable as seniors. Older dogs tend to be very calm and relaxed, and are usually more interested in chasing Z’s than in chasing squirrels. Summer can be hard on aging pups, however, as they are more sensitive to weather extremes than their younger companions. A Galena, MD vet offers some summertime senior dog care tips in this article.

Keep Fido Cool

Fido will get hot very quickly on those scorching days. Make sure he always has cool water, and take care not to overexert him. You may also want to get him a cooling pad or a cooling vest. Your canine pal may also appreciate a cool treat, such as doggy ice cream.

Adjust The Schedule

During the hottest part of the year, you may want to walk and play with your furry friend in the mornings and evenings, when it’s a little cooler out.

Play (Safely)

Fido may not be up for a vigorous game of Fetch these days, but he still needs to stay active and have fun. Toss a ball for him to chase. Pick soft surfaces, like lawns, for playtime, and take care not to overexert your adorable playmate.

Paw Care

Overgrown nails are a common problem with older dogs. Fido’s nails may grow faster than they used to, and he won’t wear them down running around on concrete or asphalt. Long claws are uncomfortable, and can make it hard for your pooch to get good traction. Keep up with those pawdicures! You’ll also want to use paw balm or wax on those furry feet.

Swimming

If your canine buddy likes swimming, then indulge him a bit. This can give him a good cardio workout without straining his bones and joints. Just stick with spots that you know are safe. Also, keep a close eye on your pooch. Never leave Fido unattended near water, even for a minute!

Savor The Moment

As far as we’re concerned, Fido only has one serious design flaw: his time here passes too quickly. Enjoy this special time with your beloved pet!

Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. As your local Galena, MD animal clinic, we are here to help!