6 tips on how to care for a senior dog, according to the chief veterinarian at Petco

Clay WalkerMay 16, 2023, 03:21 IST

Senior dogs have different needs than younger dogs.Artur Debat/Getty Images

As dogs became seniors their needs change which requires special care.
Dr. Whitney Miller, the chief veterinarian at Petco, gave Insider tips on how to care for your aging pup.

All dogs require care, but as your dog ages, their needs can change drastically.

This is for a variety of reasons, the main being the physical and cognitive declines that occur.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, a small dog becomes a senior between the ages of 11 and 12, a medium dog at 10, a larger dog at 8, and giant breeds dogs are considered seniors at 7.

With this in mind, Insider reached out to Dr. Whitney Miller, the chief veterinarian at Petco, for her expert suggestions.

Here are six tips from Miller that will help improve the life of your senior dog.

1. Exercise and play are essential for dogs of all ages.

Swimming is a great form of exercise for senior dogs.stevecoleimages/Getty Images

2. Dogs' diets and appetites change with age, and weight gain becomes a greater concern.

Dietary needs change as a dog ages.Westend61/Getty Images

3. Miller says there are ways to make sure your home is safe and secure for a senior dog.

Nonslip mats and mats are great ways to ensure senior pet safety.Photo by Jules Clark/Getty Images

5. Cognitive decline is common in older dogs, and there are ways to ease their discomfort.

There are treatments for canine cognitive dysfunction or dog dementia.Danielle D. Hughson/Getty Images

4. Traveling with a senior dog can be precarious, but there are things you can do to make your senior pet more comfortable in the car.

Safety should be a dog owners first priority when it comes to car travel.Krit of Studio OMG/Getty Images

7. Visiting the vet more than once a year is a paramount part of senior dog health.

Regular vet visits are vital for a senior dog's health.andresr/Getty Images

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