When you have had your dog for several years, you may be surprised to find that at 7 or 8 years old, your dog is considered a senior. Most dogs reach senior status at around that age, and with that new status can come new hurdles and challenges in caring for your dog. Caring for a senior dog does not have to be confusing or even all that difficult. You just need to know what to expect and plan accordingly. Get to know a few tips to help you care for your senior dog. Then, you can put them to use as soon as possible. 

Plan on More Frequent Trips Outside

As dogs age, their bladder and bowel control can wane (just like with humans). Because of this fact, you will need to be prepared to take your dog on more frequent trips outside.

In some cases, such as when you work long shifts, this might not be possible. With these cases, you have a few options. You could put down puppy training pads near the doors your dog usually uses to go outside. This will give them a "safe" place to do their business if they simply cannot hold it until you get home. If your dog's incontinence is very bad or you do not want pads around the house, there are dog diapers available for senior dogs as well. 

Additionally, if your dog has issues with small amounts of leakage (i.e. you notice urine spots on beds or other surfaces), there are medications that might be able to help with that issue. Your veterinarian can prescribe such medication for your dog to help with bladder leakage. 

Switch to a High-Quality Senior Dog Food Formula

Nutrition needs change for dogs as they get older. As such, their food should change when they reach senior citizenship. Find a high-quality senior dog food formula that comes in a flavor your dog likes.

Slowly transition them from their normal food to the new food (over the course of several days). This will involve mixing increasing amounts of the new food into their old food until the bowl is entirely new food. If you feed your dog a cup of food a day, start by doing three-quarters regular food and one-quarter new food. Then after two days, go half and half. Two days later, go three-quarters new food and one-quarter old food, and finally a few days later, use all new food. 

This gradual transition will help your senior dog's digestive system get used to the new food. It will also give them time to acclimate their taste buds to the new food. Be aware, too, your dog may not like the first senior food you select, so pick out a small bag of the new food first. Then, you can be sure your dog will willingly eat the new food. 

Now that you know a few pet care tips for your senior dog, you can be sure you are providing them with the best care possible in their later years.