Losing a dog is the most difficult part of having one. Knowing when you are ready to get a new dog after the death of another one is a personal process and is different for everyone.  You may find that your mental health suffers without a dog, and you get a new one within days … The post How Soon After My Dog Dies Should I Get a New One? first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more

People who get a new dog after one dies may not feel an immediate connection. It can take time to love a new dog, leaving you wondering whether you will ever love them at all. These feelings are completely normal and valid, and everyone processes loss differently.  Some may be ready to welcome a new dog … The post How Long Does It Take to Love a New Dog? first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more

There are a lot of older dogs needing homes, but many people don’t consider adopting a senior dog because of the associated myths about their age.  Old dogs, however, can make excellent companions. Typically, dogs are considered seniors around the age of seven, but it depends on the size and breed.  Larger dogs tend to … The post 7 Tips for Adopting a Senior Dog first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more

The term “heart dog” has been widely used among the dog community since dogs have elevated to family member status versus “just pets.”  Their involvement in our lives has also created a stronger bond between human and animal. What exactly is a heart dog, and how do you know if you found yours?  It’s challenging … The post What Is a Heart Dog? first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more

As some dogs age, they lose muscle mass in their hind legs. This is called muscle atrophy and can make your dog’s rear legs weak.  You may notice their hind legs slipping out, wobbling when they walk, or your dog falls regularly. Muscle weakness can develop slowly over time or appear suddenly due to an … The post Help! My Old Dog Is Losing Muscle Mass and Getting Weak in Their Hind Legs first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more

For many dog owners, admitting their dog is entering their senior years can be difficult. It makes us realize that they are closer to the end of their lives than they are to the beginning. Neglecting to accept the fact that your dog is aging, however, can mean that you miss important indicators that signify … The post 7 Signs That Your Dog Is Getting Old first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more

So much of the way we live as humans is tied up in our ultimate demise: we vow at the marriage altar  “til death do us part, we make estate plans and write wills, and give a great deal of thought to how we want to be remembered after we pass. Despite all of this … The post How to Tell a Dog is Dying of Old Age and What to Expect first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more

Has your dog been complaining about the pains of growing older? Probably not. But were you aware that large breed dogs are considered to be in their “senior” years around the age of six and small breed dogs hit their golden years just two short years later? Your aging dog may be asking for your … The post Caring for an Aging Dog: Five Easy Changes to Make Now first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more

Food is a critical aspect of maintaining a diabetic dog’s health, and that means the type of food they eat, the amount and even the timing. Diabetic dogs don’t tend to eat too much. In fact, most senior dog parents are looking for advice on how to get their dogs to eat. But a dog … The post What to Do If a Diabetic Dog Eats Too Much first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more

It’s a concern I often hear – is my dog too old to walk? Should I stop walking my senior dog? No, your dog is never too old to walk. In fact, walking older dogs can help to support joint and muscle health and reduce mobility problems. Now that we’ve established that, there’s a lot … The post Is Your Dog Too Old to Walk? Here’s How to Know first appeared on Caring for a Senior Dog ..read more