Caring for Senior Dogs: Labrador Retriever Edition

Watching pets grow is equally rewarding and heartbreaking for pet parents. As your pet’s caregiver you are with them from their first bark through their last, and it may be difficult to watch them experience the effects of old age. This fact holds true for all dog breeds, but especially for the lovable Labrador Retriever. Not only will you find this reliable companion at your side every day, but you may also see them working as service or rescue dogs, making their aging that much harder to watch. Help make your Labrador Retriever’s golden years easier with these tips.

A Labrador Retriever is considered to be a senior dog as early as seven years old. Your pet may show subtle hints and change their behavior when the feelings of discomfort set in. Monitor your pet’s behavior closely. Sudden changes in behavior, such as a decrease in energy or pace, could be your pet’s way of telling you something is wrong. Take a trip to your vet if you find yourself questioning your pet’s health.
Keep communicating with your Labrador. Although vision and hearing loss seems inevitable in dogs, there are other ways to communicate with your pup. If you find your canine companion experiencing vision loss, keep their daily routine the same. This includes any changes to their environment. In an attempt to give your impaired pup a sense of familiarity try not to move the furniture around. This will allow your pet the opportunity to grow accustomed to their new way of living. If you notice your pet’s hearing start to diminish, teach them hand signals before complete hearing loss. It is important to find ways to keep communicating with your Labrador Retriever as they age, in order for them to continuously feel loved.
Making subtle dietary changes to your senior Labrador’s diet is necessary. With any dog, as they age they require a smaller caloric intake. Decreasing the amount of calories in your dog’s diet will help combat obesity and other diet related issues that may arise due to an improper diet. Consult your vet before making any major changes to your canine’s diet.
Beds with additional padding may make your dog more comfortable. As pet parents there is little that can be done to prevent aging in your four-legged friend. However, you can make them comfortable and cozy in an attempt to reduce the amount of discomfort they experience. If you find your pup suffering from mobility issues, try adding DGP to their daily routine to give them a mobility boost.

It is always hard to watch your furry friends age. It is best to make your Labrador Retriever’s golden years as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Make sure to shower your pup with affection as they age to keep their spirits up!