Lifestyle hacks for senior dogs.
The Silver Woof team is so grateful to Dr. Alison Moran from Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, for contributing information, specific to the welfare of senior dogs.
Dr. Moran has a special interest in rehabilitation and pain management, particularly in relation to maintaining mobility in older dogs and cats and providing long-term relief of chronic pain. Offering a range of treatment options, Dr. Moran has a holistic approach to mobility and pain management in senior dogs. Alongside consulting in the general practice, Dr. Moran offers allied healthcare therapies such as Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Tui Na Chinese Massage and is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist.
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1. An extra kilo on the scales is five kilos through the joints.
Did you know that every extra kilo your dog carries adds five kilos of pressure to its joints when it jumps off the couch or bed?
Find out why weight loss is the top mobility recommendation from vets. Click below to learn more!
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2. Stair, floors, and furry feet.
As dogs age, their needs change significantly. A quick audit of their environment can prevent painful strains and sprains in your Silver Woof.
Click below for essential tips for making your senior dog's home safer.
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3. A safe height to jump from.
Allowing a dog to repeatedly jump from heights higher than its shoulder height can lead to painful joint problems as the dog ages.
Click below for tips on safeguarding your dog's joints.
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4. A senior is how old?
When is your Silver Woof considered a senior?
Great question! The answer is that every dog is different.
Click below to find out how to support their transition into senior years.
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5. Nutraceuticals help maintain joint health.
Discover why nutraceuticals and supplements are crucial for maintaining your senior dog’s joint health and mobility.
Click below for tips on where to start.
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6. Whose walk is it anyway?
The time comes for every Silver Woof and their guardian when you realise it's their walk, not yours!
Click below to discover why sniffing is more critical than counting steps for your senior dog.
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7. Arthritis and toenails.
Did you know that unclipped nails can cause arthritis in dogs, especially senior dogs?
Long nails change a dog's posture, potentially damaging their skeletal system and increasing the risk of arthritis.
Click below to find out more.
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8. Dehydration in senior dogs.
Senior dogs can forget to drink water, leading to dehydration and stressed kidneys.
Many other factors, beyond forgetfulness, can contribute to dehydration.
Click below to find out more.
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9. Titer test before you vaccinate.
Dog vaccinations can sometimes be as harmful as the diseases they're meant to prevent.
Learn how titer tests help guardians make informed, conscious decisions about vaccinations for senior dogs.
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10. The benefits of proprioception training for senior dogs
Did you know a dog's center of gravity is near its shoulders? This means the front legs support over 60% of their weight is supported by the front legs, resulting in natural strength training for the front end.
As senior dogs age, their back legs weaken, losing muscle mass and tendon strength. That's where proprioception training comes in handy.
Click here to find out more about helping your senior dog.
Every senior dog’s circumstances are different
The advice on this page is general advice only and may not be suitable for your dog. The Silver Woof team highly recommends that you consult with your veterinarian before implementing change in your Silver Woof’s environment, routine or diet.