How to help your senior dog maintain their bodyweight

As dogs age, their metabolism, activity levels and physical condition gradually change, affecting their bodyweight and muscle tone. While ageing can't be stopped, there are effective ways to help your senior dog maintain a healthy weight, supporting their wellbeing and quality of life well into their golden years.

Senior dogs can either gain excess weight or lose condition, including muscle mass. This guide focuses on how to prevent or manage weight loss and muscle decline in older dogs.

Why do some older dogs lose weight?

Weight loss in older dogs occurs for several reasons:

• Diminished appetite due to lower activity levels or illness.
• Loss of muscle bulk from less exercise and ageing.
• Reduced sense of smell and taste making food less appealing.
• Dental issues causing discomfort while eating.
• Age-related brain changes affecting bodily functions and behaviour.

If your senior dog is losing weight unexpectedly, a veterinary check-up is vital to rule out underlying health problems.

Why maintaining weight is vital for health

Maintaining an ideal weight is crucial. While overweight dogs face health challenges, underweight dogs often have less energy, lose muscle, and can develop bone and joint problems due to lack of exercise.

Underweight dogs might also struggle to keep warm and have weaker immune systems, increasing the risk of infections and illnesses that are more serious in seniors.

The role of exercise in weight maintenance

Exercise helps maintain muscle mass, joint flexibility, and stimulates appetite. Seniors benefit from regular low-impact activities like gentle walks on soft surfaces or swimming.

Aiming for 30 to 60 minutes of tailored exercise daily is a good target, adjusting based on your dog's mobility and comfort. Exercise also supports mental stimulation and can improve overall health without straining ageing joints.

Feeding and dietary strategies

Feeding your senior dog an age-appropriate, protein-rich diet is essential to support muscle maintenance. Diets designed for older dogs often balance calories to avoid unwanted weight gain but should be assessed carefully for your dog's specific needs.

Consider higher protein and moderate healthy fats while reducing unnecessary carbohydrates to preserve muscle. Offering smaller, more frequent meals can aid digestion and maintain appetite.

Enhancing food appeal through stronger aromas or varied textures may encourage eating. Healthy, low-fat treats or safe fruits and vegetables can add calories and enrichment but keep treats to less than 10% of daily calories.

Monitoring and veterinary care

Regular weight monitoring helps identify trends early. Weekly checks at home can guide diet and activity adjustments.

Schedule routine veterinary checkups to screen for health problems like endocrine or joint diseases that can impact weight and wellbeing. Your vet can recommend tailored nutrition plans or interventions if needed.

If your dog experiences arthritis or mobility issues, discuss joint supplements or pain management options to support activity.

Conclusion

Helping your senior dog maintain a healthy bodyweight involves a balanced approach of proper nutrition, appropriate exercise, and regular health monitoring with veterinary guidance.

With these steps, you can ensure your canine companion enjoys a comfortable, active, and happy senior life, preserving their muscle mass and quality of life for as long as possible.