Dogs generally need to go out at least three times a day, maintain a balanced diet and live an active life. Although puppies or adult dogs tend to be more restless, older dogs also need to move, although with special attention. Not only because of his delicate health, but because his needs change with his age.
For that reason, at El Comprador de La Vanguardia we tell you how to improve your senior dog’s life with an active routine and with tips on how to improve their lifestyle. In addition, we propose 10 canine toys that will help you keep your dog in shape to improve his quality of life.
A dog begins to enter old age between 8 and 10 years, depending on its size and breed. Therefore, from that moment on it is important to be more attentive to the signs of age that our pet shows in order to give them a better quality of life. Adapting your diet and a moderate exercise routine are some of the things that can benefit you the most.
As our dog gets older, his physical activity reduces. However, engaging in daily exercise is one way to maintain his physical health and reduce boredom, which can help prevent sleep disorders. Taking short walks or buying toys that can encourage mental and cognitive stimulation can help improve his quality of life.
Generally, just like older people, senior dogs also need a series of special care. Not only in their hygiene, to avoid skin problems or diseases, respiratory or oral ailments, but they also need more love and affection to prevent them from feeling apathy or sadness.
Oral health is very important for dogs in general, but especially in adults and seniors, since they are more prone to infections. A teether not only helps strengthen their jaw, but also keeps them busy for a while. Especially this one from the Nestling brand that allows you to put treats inside to also stimulate the animal’s ingenuity.
It is made with a safe material to chew, with non-toxic natural rubber. It has a high hardness and is very resistant to bites. Plus, it’s flavored with meat and peanut butter for your dog to lick safely. Its ram’s horn shape stimulates the animal’s hunting instincts, attracting its attention, exciting its bite and providing long-lasting entertainment.
Although stuffed toys are usually related to puppies, the truth is that they are also recommended for senior dogs. It comforts them and thus they feel accompanied. Additionally, being soft they are safe to bite, especially if they are missing teeth or have gum problems.
This two-pack of plush toys from ZWZNBL are lightweight, free of corrosive chemical compositions, soft and machine washable. They do not have dangerous filling, so if they break they do not endanger your pet’s health. They have a squeaker and paper inside so their noise draws the animal’s attention, making it especially good for stimulating the sense of hearing.
Senior dogs tend to have more character, so maintaining a oral cleaning routine can be complex. However, it is still just as important. That is why a good alternative to brushing are chewing toys that incorporate bristles that, while the animal bites it, clean its teeth.
In this way, the animal is not only receiving a minimal oral cleaning but is also entertained. This teether from V-HANVER is made from 100% rubber, hard and flexible. In addition, its bone appearance makes it easier for the dog’s paws to grip and it tastes like meat, which will attract its attention.
Senior dogs need a safer place where they can spend hours playing, but also where they can rest when they get tired. A soft place where they are isolated from the cold of the ground is the best option, for that reason the Nobleza brand olfactory mat will be a good ally. The materials with which it is made are respectful of the dog’s fur and can be easily washed in the washing machine.
This olfactory mat is a canine puzzle that will improve your dog’s olfactory instinct. It allows you to hide several prizes in different holes, which will keep the animal entertained and fed for a long time. In addition, by having to look for the treats, it takes longer to eat them, which improves your digestion and will help you not eat eagerly.
Some dogs, especially sterilized ones, tend to eat more often or eagerly. Which results in heavier digestion and gas, which can be annoying for any animal, but especially for older ones. For that reason, a good solution is licking mats. They allow the animal to be entertained while eating and to feed, not only with feed, but with softer foods that can be more respectful of its teeth.
This AiQInu mat accepts liquid and solid food, so you can mix any type of food such as wet food or yogurt with harder treats. Its edges are made to prevent food from falling and keep the floor clean. It is made from high quality food grade silicone, durable, flexible and foldable. In addition, it is compatible with microwaves, refrigerators and dishwashers and its powerful suction cups will prevent your dog from walking around the house with the mat.
Few dogs can resist the sound of a toy, even senior ones. Especially if they are made of soft, chewy plush on the outside, like NiCoLa’s. But in this case, owners can rest assured, since the sound of the toy comes from air bags that make a sound when pressed. In addition, the tail of the toy contains loud paper that also sounds.
Although it is a stuffed animal, it can also help maintain the animal’s oral cleanliness by cleaning the teeth naturally. It can be washed easily and as much as needed thanks to its thick fabric and firm suture. Which also guarantees safety so that the animal bites the toy without problem. In addition, it allows pets to release pressure while playing, reducing their psychological health.
Sniffing toys like this one from YeahBoom allow your senior dog to have a toy to comfort and reward with treats hidden between the folds. It is also perfect for you to play any game of tug-of-war with your pet or throw it to him to bring it to you.
Toys of this style not only provide food but also encourage physical activity. This puzzle unzips and turns from snail to snake, displaying a long tail where you can hide treats. Furthermore, the round head of the toy as well as the curly paper tail can entertain the animal and relieve its anxiety and boredom effectively.
Interactive games are a good option to encourage your pet’s mobility, no matter what age they are. The Nollam automatic ball is perfect for your dog to play with alone thanks to its automatic movement mechanism, which makes it move randomly for the animal to follow and play with it.
In addition, it is made with reusable ABS and silicone materials, which guarantees long-lasting fun and prevents you from having to worry about your pet swallowing part of the mechanism. Its interactive rotation and colorful lights stimulate your senior dog’s vision, which can help prevent cognitive decline. It will also draw special attention to him, which will encourage him to move more frequently.
Another type of interactive toy that can keep your senior dog very company can be a stuffed animal that makes sounds or makes movements. For this, the Nobleza brand plush toy is a perfect option. Its inner waterproof material prevents saliva from entering the filling and, being made of natural cotton, it is safe for the dog to chew on without problems.
A plush dog toy is perfect for games of fetch or as a comfort toy. Ideal for tug-of-war games or for playing alone to relieve anxiety, separation stress or fear and avoid boredom. It can be washed perfectly in the washing machine and is especially recommended for small or medium dogs.
The world of interactive pet toys is very broad. From rubber games that make small sounds to toys that move on their own. In this case, the Zerodis interactive toy is the perfect option to get your senior dog moving without you having to keep an eye on him at all times. It is a ball that emits a sound and movement for 12 seconds when it is opened and is activated when shaken or squeezed forcefully.
This ball has several dog barking functions and motion sensors that bounce and shake the ball and will get your pet moving, encouraging their physical activity. In addition, your dog can use it without a problem when you are not there, keeping him entertained at all times. It is easy to put into operation thanks to the switch on the top. And its striking plush cover is washable, as is the ball inside.
*Prices updated on January 5, 2024