Old German Shepherd dog – Learn more with Healthier Pets Today! If you ask any experienced old German Shepherd dog owner, they will tell you that these canines make great pets.
They are affectionate companions that enjoy relaxing at your feet or taking leisurely walks. Moreover, they exhibit fewer high-energy problem behaviors that are common in younger dogs.
Although they won’t demand your attention as much as when they were younger, they still have specific age-related requirements that you should be aware of.
Here are some easy ways to keep your old German shepherd dog happy and repay all their years of friendship!
Table of Contents
1. Provide Appropriate Exercise
It’s amazing how even an old German shepherd dog still craves to play games, exercise, and explore the surroundings every day.
Although they may require some motivation, it’s crucial to maintain their strength and muscle tone for their stiff joints. They need all the support they can get to keep moving.
The key is moderation. To keep your senior dog healthy, you should encourage their appetite, maintain fitness, prevent weight gain, and keep them limber while being aware of their limitations.
2. Keep Your Dog’s Mind Sharp Old
An old German Shepherd dog can suffer from cognitive decline, including cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
Enrichment can help prevent this. In fact, providing mental stimulation for your dog is an excellent way to prevent boredom, encourage engagement with their environment, and keep them happy.
In fact, providing mental stimulation for your dog is an excellent way to prevent boredom, cultivate engagement with their environment, and keep them happy.
3. Make Your Home Accessible
It’s important to understand that senior dogs may face mobility issues such as arthritis, stiff joints, or other painful conditions that make it difficult for them to navigate their surroundings.
Tasks that were once easy for them, such as jumping into the back of the car, can now be a challenge.
4. Provide the Right Dog Bed
As your old German shepherd dog ages, they lose the ability to get comfortable when curled up on the floor. Hard surfaces can be uncomfortable, and jumping onto the couch may be difficult.
To ensure your senior dog gets enough restorative sleep, they would appreciate it if you provided them with high-quality, thick dog beds throughout the house.
This way, they can nap in comfort while still being close to you.
5. Watch Out for Weather Extremes
Senior dogs are more sensitive to hot and cold conditions, and as a result, can’t tolerate the same temperatures as younger dogs.
Therefore, it’s important to be aware of their needs and help them stay comfortable.
If you have a senior dog, make sure to take extra precautions during extreme weather conditions to ensure they don’t get too cold or too hot.
No matter the season, watch how long you spend outside with your old German Shepherd dog on days with extreme weather.
6. Adjust Your Dog’s Diet
Senior dogs have different nutritional requirements from other life stages. For instance, older dogs are less active and require fewer calories.
Overfeeding causes obesity, which burdens aging joints and can lead to other health problems.
7. Provide Extra Grooming Sessions
Senior dogs may need extra grooming help as they age, so regular brushing and haircuts can prevent matting.
Grooming sessions are the perfect opportunity to check your dog for any changes in their health, such as new bumps or lumps that may appear over time.
8. Regular Vet Check-Ups
It is crucial to take your oldGerman Shepherd dog for regular vet check-ups to ensure that it stays healthy and any potential health problems are caught early.
Neglecting routine exams and vet appointments can lead to illness and suffering for your furry friend.
So, make sure you don’t skip these appointments and keep your German Shepherd in top form.
9. Showering Them With Love
German Shepherds may appear aloof, but they are affectionate dogs. Showering them with love increases their happiness!
These chemicals help them feel at ease, improve their health, and even relax when they’re tired or anxious.
Don’t underestimate how happy your love and attention make your old German Shepherd dog!
10. Protecting Their Bones and Joints
Ensuring the health and safety of your dog’s bones and joints is crucial for the well-being of your German Shepherd.
Keeping your German Shepherd happy means ensuring they’re in peak form and able to enjoy their daily activities without any pain or discomfort.
German Shepherds, being a large breed, are prone to hip and elbow issues. It’s important to not always walk an adult German Shepherd on hard surfaces.
Instead, try exploring new walking and hiking spots on softer ground. Allow your dog to run in the grass, enjoy a swim, and move at a comfortable pace.
It is important not to engage in excessive physical activity with a German Shepherd puppy until their bones have fully developed, which can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
11. Social Meetings with Friends
It’s important to keep your German Shepherd happy and a great way to do that is to let them socialize with other dogs.
German Shepherds enjoy making friends, even with older and smaller dogs. They are a breed that thrives in packs and benefits from social interaction.
You can seek out dog groups with other friendly dogs for your German Shepherd to meet, allowing them to release some of their pent-up energy.
It’s important to keep your old German Shepherd dog happy and a great way to do that is to let them socialize with other dogs.
German Shepherds enjoy making friends, even with older and smaller dogs. They are a breed that thrives in packs and benefits from social interaction.
You can seek out dog groups with other friendly dogs for your German Shepherd to meet, allowing them to release some of their pent-up energy.
12. Feeding Them Healthy Treats
It’s hard to choose from so many treats when feeding your German Shepherd. Healthy treats aid in weight management and maintain a healthy physique.
How will you ever pick the right ones for your old german shepherd dog?
Look for treats that don’t have:
- Artificial flavors
- Dyes
- Added salt
13. Routine Grooming
German Shepherds are happy when they are well-groomed. Routine grooming may seem tedious, but it is an essential part of basic care for a German Shepherd, particularly due to their double coats and high shedding tendencies.
To make the most out of grooming time, use it as an opportunity to connect with your dog by petting them slowly and gently.
It is important to choose a time to groom them when they are calm and relaxed, such as in the evening when they are winding down and getting ready for sleep.
14. Benefits of a Happy German Shepherd
Owning a happy German Shepherd comes with numerous benefits. Therefore, it is essential to invest your time and effort in ensuring your dog’s happiness.
One way of achieving this is by learning how to keep your German Shepherd happy. Doing so strengthens the bond between you and your GSD, promotes their overall health by reducing stress levels, and provides them with a comfortable home.
Additionally, keeping a happy German Shepherd also enhances their positive behaviors, making them a joy to be around.
Ideas to Make Your Old German Shepherd Dog Feel Special…
To keep your German Shepherd happy, it is essential to meet their intellectual, physical, and emotional requirements.
You can do this by providing them with healthy and nutritious food, ensuring they get enough exercise, engaging them in fun mental activities, and showering them with love and affection.
