What can I do to get my dog to regain his energy?
Some dogs will always be puppies at heart, however others begin to lose their energy and motivation from the age of 7, an age that many consider to begin the last stage of their lives: old age. For many canines, the desire to play and be active is reduced, as they begin to sleep more hours and prefer to spend their time lying down.
Are you one of those who believe that your pet’s age is just a number? With a little help, your dog can recover what he has lost, so that he has the possibility of living a fuller life during his last years.
1. Motivating your pet to socialize
Staying socially active is very beneficial for them, don’t forget that dogs naturally seek to belong to a pack.
Within the care of elderly dogs, it is very important that you pay attention so that you do not isolate yourself from other animals when you go for a walk, an opportunity that you can take advantage of to share with others. This is because, especially when they are interacting with puppies, they can be motivated to be more animated because younger children will always seek to play and have fun together.
2. Elderly dog care
From the age of 7, your pet’s blood glucose (if high) begins to alter functions such as memory, energy levels, and reaction time and alertness.
Feeding your senior pet is vital not only for their physical vitality, but also for their state of mind. At a certain age, you should start feeding them with special pellets for them, if possible whose formula is low in carbohydrates (these are sugars that convert to glucose) and aimed at keeping your body and mind in good condition.
3. The importance of cognitive stimulation
The popular saying “old dog does not learn new tricks” is not true, because with effort, dedication and time you can not only teach your senior pet new things, but also help him work his mind more. This is important to slow brain aging and also keep them busy.
Brain plasticity is a phenomenon that occurs in all mammals, and dogs are no exception: the more practice of certain behavior, the easier it is to acquire others later.
4. Teach him about new activities
Encouraging your older dog to get excited as he did when he was a puppy can be difficult, however it is easier to do if you do it in new environments. Exploring will never cease to be interesting for canines, since curiosity is a natural trait that they instinctively have and that will make unknown places attract their attention. It is not necessary to go that far, a new park, the beach or the countryside, and even walking different streets and paths than usual will make a difference.
Offering him other games and hobbies as well can help him regain his awe.
5. Show your love and attention
Both puppies and elderly dogs enjoy and seek your attention in the same way. Enjoy his last years together and show him that he still has your affection through gestures such as being happy with his presence, stroking his pansa, giving him food awards that he likes, etc.
6. Visits to the vet
Finally, many times the lack of activity of an elderly dog can be due to ailments or silent diseases that it may be suffering. Taking them to the vet frequently when they reach senior age should be one of your priorities, as it will also ensure that your pet is healthy and does not suffer from something that is taking away the joy and motivation.
