Our dogs are our best friends, so we want to do everything we can to keep them happy and healthy. These 7 tips will help you give your senior dog the best care.

Dogs are an important part of life. In fact, for many us, they are members of the family. They become our most faithful friends and it's hard to imagine life without them.

As our dogs age, they require special care and develop certain needs they didn't have when they were just pups. It's important to care for a senior dog the proper way if you want your special furry buddy to remain healthy and happy for as long as possible.

So what does it take to keep geriatric dogs living their best lives? Let's take a look at some things you can do for older dogs to help them stay around for many years to come.

1. Remember That Age Is Merely a Number

Your dog might be getting older, yet keep in mind that age is just a number. No matter how many years they've been around, the key to a long happy life is good health and nutrition.

Keeping your senior pupper looking younger than their actual age is simpler than you might imagine. It mostly comes down to keeping them at the proper weight with the healthiest food possible.

Daily exercise is also crucial. Dogs love nothing more than to go on a good walk in the fresh air and sunshine. And this type of exercise is ideal for keeping their heart and lungs healthy and strong.

2. Supplements

As dogs age, their needs change. Feeding them the right food is of primary importance, and yet even the most nutrition-rich foods might not be enough to get them everything their bodies need for optimum health.

At a certain age, your pup will require supplements in order to get adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. Fish oil is one of the top supplements for senior dogs. It's good for the heart and joints, improves the health of their skin and coat, and also serves as an anti-inflammatory.

CBD hemp oil for dogs is another type of supplement that can help your dog remain healthy as she gets older.

Just be aware that it's always best to consult with your vet before adding any supplements to your pet's diet.

3. Keep Your Older Dog Active, But Try Not to Overdo It

There's no denying the importance of keeping your dog active. And yet it's equally important not to overdo any physical activity. After all, as your dog ages, they won't recover as quickly as when they were younger. Also, their muscles will not always have the same level of endurance.

Remember to go at a casual pace. Give your buddy a chance to sniff out new smells, make friends, and just enjoy being outside. There's no reason to be in a hurry.

Keep in mind that this leisurely pace might not feel much like exercise to you, but getting out of the house and enjoying the outdoors is really all your older dog needs to be adequately stimulated.

4. Make Sure They Get Proper Dental Care

Believe it or not, one of the more important parts of your dog's overall wellbeing is good dental care. As dogs age, their teeth become more sensitive and they are more prone to various health issues, including heart disease and kidney disease.

Many people don't focus enough on good dental care for their pets. But it's important to take the time to brush your dog's teeth each day if possible. Ask your vet for the type of toothpaste they recommend for taking care of your dog's daily dental regimen.

5. Keep Your Dog's Mind Sharp

Everyone knows that dogs love to play. And one of the best ways to keep them in top health is by engaging them in activities that engage their mind.

Dogs love a challenge. Whether it's an activity like a food puzzle or a scent game, nothing makes a senior dog happier than being mentally stimulated.

As your dog gets older, they will become more susceptible to a condition called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. CCDS often manifest themselves in a variety of ways, such as wandering aimlessly, general confusion, loss of interest in normal activities, and loss of housetraining.

The reasons behind CCDS aren't yet fully understood, and thus specific strategies for prevention haven't been developed at this time. And so it's important to keep your dog mentally stimulated in an effort to slow down the onset of cognitive dysfunction.

Another way to help reduce cognitive dysfunction is to eliminate anxiety and stress from your dog's life as much as possible. A happy, stable, secure home is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

6. Take them on Special Trips

Dog's love getting out. It's exciting and fun for them to get out of the house and ride in the car. Going on an outing to somewhere special or for a play date with friends makes them feel loved.

This is also a great way to give your pet the kind of one-on-one attention they crave. This is such a simple way to help them to feel special and happy. And the happier your senior dog feels, the more likely they are to live a longer, healthier life.

7. Give Your Dog Plenty of Love

The simple truth about your dog is that you can never give them too much love. In fact, dogs probably have a greater need for physical affection than people do.

Cuddling on the couch or in bed is a great way to give your dog the type of physical contact that will help her feel safe and secure. In fact, cuddling is one of the best things you can do to help your dog stay healthy and happy, no matter how old they are.

Making the Best Life for Your Senior Dog

Learning how to make an old dog happy isn't complicated. It's a simple matter of better understanding of what their needs are. A senior dog just needs lots of love and proper nutrition to keep both of you smiling for years to come!  

Click here to learn 7 essential dog safety tips to follow this winter.