Taking care of a senior dog is all about good nutrition and love for their quality of life.

We all want our dogs to live long, happy lives but much like us, our loyal furry friends eventually start to gather a few grey hairs. Like humans who age, they are not as nimble as they used to be and start to move more slowly. Of course, we want to do everything we can to ensure they are comfortable as they transition to their golden years.

Follow our top tips to help your senior pupper:

Nourishing a senior pupper

Keeping hydrated

Senior puppers are more prone to dehydration, so it is really important that they have access to fresh drinking water at all times. If your pupper is unable to get to their water bowl like they used to, you may need to help by giving them their water by hand. A pipette or oral syringe can be a good way to do this. If you find they are not interested in their water, try adding some dog-friendly bone broth. The scent and flavour will usually entice them to drink.

Adjust their feeding routine

As your pupper ages, you may notice that they are not as enthusiastic about their food as they once were. Their stomachs may be a bit more sensitive and easily filled. You may find your pupper will eat more if fed smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Make their food more enticing

As puppers age, they can become fussier, and their food preferences can change. Try warming the food or using a scent-heavy topper. Whilst their desire for food may have lessened, a dog’s sense of smell usually remains intact. We recommend putting their food in an elevated bowl so they don’t have to bend over to eat. Flat plates are also good too, as they prevent your pupper from having to hunch into a deeply rimmed bowl.

Serve up something nutritious

Did you know, senior puppers don’t need a senior-specific diet? Although you may notice that they need lighter, lower fat content food as their gut microbiome becomes more sensitive. A high omega-3 ratio can be good to support ageing joints. Senior dogs also have an increased risk of disease and illnesses such as cancer. This comes from wear on important organs like the heart and kidneys, so taking extra notice of your pupper’s health is important at this stage of life.

Stay up-to-date with health checks

Our in-house Integrative Vet, Dr. Matthew Muir, recommends keeping up to date with vet visits, to help keep your pupper as healthy as possible as they age. Senior wellness checks should occur every three months.

Making your senior dog comfortable

Adjusting your walks

Just because your pupper is getting older, it doesn’t mean you should stop walking them. Shorter outings are a good option if you notice them slowing down due to joints or other issues. Walks are an important part of their mental stimulation and very good for their wellbeing and happiness.

Adjust your furniture for their mobility

Adjust living spaces by moving things out of their way. Open-up spaces where they like to play and block areas where your pupper may get stuck.

Add ramps or stairs where needed

If your dog has joint issues, they may need help to get up onto the couch, the bed or into the car. It may be worth investing in some portable pet steps or even a ramp.

Some puppers can be wary of these due to old habits, so never force them to use them. Over time they should come around.

Show them some extra love

Although your pupper may not be filled with the rough and tumble of puppy love they once had, they’re now treasured golden oldies and still have plenty of love to give. Some extra attention in the form of cuddles and pats is a great way to bond with your older pupper. You could even treat them to acupuncture or hydrotherapy, as both of these can be a relaxing and fun day out for dogs.

Keep their brain fighting fit

As your pupper ages, keep them mentally stimulated to ensure their brain is staying healthy. You should also watch for any stress or cognitive challenges and dysfunction with your pupper, and raise with your vet immediately.

Lyka: Helping golden oldies live a long, happy and healthy life

Lyka contains 100% human-grade wholefood and superfood ingredients. We believe your pupper deserves nothing but the best. Some of the best superfoods for senior dogs include fennel seeds, turmeric and blueberries. All Lyka meals are vet-formulated and complete and balanced for all ages and breeds – from puppies all the way to seniors.

Our 6 drool-worthy recipes provide plenty of options for your pupper, no matter their life stage. To help your golden oldie’s stiff joints and overall wellbeing, our recipes include an optimal ratio of omegas obtained from key ingredients including fish oil, safflower oil and hemp seeds.