My dog Sadie was my very first dog that was just mine. I got her when I was in college and she was my very first “baby”. I can’t believe that she is going to be 12 years old in a few months!
Keeping my senior dog healthy & happy is very important to me and I’m sure to you as well. Dogs are more than just pets, they are members of our family and we want to keep them healthy & active for as long as we possibly can.
This post is sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet and the BlogPaws Pet Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the new Hill’s® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality pet food for cats and dogs over the age of 7, but The Frugal Ginger only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.
Once a dog reaches the age of seven, they are considered to be senior. It can be difficult to really tell when your dog starts to show signs of age.
I remember when I first noticed Sadie’s muzzle was turning gray. I started wondering what other signs I should be looking out for so that I can keep her comfortable during the aging process.
To help you look out for signs of aging in your dog, think of the acronym, T.A.I.L.S.
- Thinking: Your pet is confused by ordinary things
- Activity: Naps become more frequent
- Interactions: Your pet doesn’t socialize as much with you anymore
- Loss of Control: Your pet is trained but has started having accidents
- Sleep-Wake Cycle: Sleeping patterns have changed, more awake during the night.
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to talk to your vet about how you can help your pet.
I noticed a couple of these signs in Sadie so I made a point to talk to my vet about changes that we needed to make to help her be more comfortable.
I learned the following tips to keep my senior dog healthy and active and they have made a big difference in my relationship with Sadie.
Regular Vet Visits: Once your pet becomes a senior, you should make a trip to the vet at least twice a year. This will help alert you to any new symptoms early so that you can take care of them right away.
Regular Exercise: It is important that your pet gets exercise even when they are older. It will help keep their joints moving and help keep off any excess weight. They may not be able to go for long walks anymore but they will still love to play in the yard and play tug of war.
Regular Grooming: This goes in hand with good hygiene but it is also good for your bond. I like getting outside and brushing Sadie a few times a week. It’s a great way for us to spend time together and really strengthen our bond.
Help their Joints: I noticed that Sadie was starting to have a hard time getting up and down off the floor. I started giving her some joint supplements, made sure she had a comfy and plush bed (they have some great orthopedic options), and use ramps whenever she needs to go up stairs. You may also want to get a high dog food station so they don’t have to bend down as low to eat everyday.
Proper Food: Speaking of eating, it is very important that your dog gets the proper nutrition for their age. Senior dogs need a formula that is specifically made for them.
I started feeding Sadie the NEW Hill’s® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality dry dog food. It is made for dogs 7+ so they can get the nutrition that they need to keep them active and healthy.
Sadie has been eating it for almost 2 months now and she loves it! I have seen a difference in her activity level and I feel that it is helping her be more playful with not only me but our other dog, Obi, as well.
Hill’s® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality comes in a chicken flavor and it is formulated with ingredients to support:
- Brain Function: Powerful antioxidants for a healthy brain to support desire for family interaction
- Energy and Vitality: Protein, phytonutrients and L-carnitine support ability to get moving, plus interest in activity and playing
- Healthy Immune System: Vitamins C & E help bolster a strong immune system
- Healthy Digestive System: High quality, easy-to-digest ingredients with great taste
- Luxurious Coat: Essential fatty acids promote a coat with increased shininess and softness
The ingredients include fruits, vegetables, fatty acids and antioxidants plus added vitamins, minerals and amino acids — all working together to fight the effects of aging.
You can see the food science that goes behind the making of Hill’s food products.
I also know that you guys love saving money so I couldn’t forget to share the awesome coupons that are available!
You can also follow Hill’s on Facebook to stay up to date on all of their special news and promos.
Sadie brings me so much love and joy every single day so I try my best to make sure I show her how much she means to me by taking care of her properly and with the right nutrition.
If you have a senior dog, make sure you talk to your vet about the signs of aging in your dog and what type of food is best to keep your dog healthy & active for the rest of their lives.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hill’s® Science Diet® . The opinions and text are all mine.
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