5 Tips for Caring for Your Senior Bulldog
Have you heard the myth that 1 year in human years is equal to 7 dog years? The reality is, that each breed ages differently, and there is no hard rule to equate human years to dog years. When it comes to bulldogs, the average lifespan is 8-10 years and they begin to show signs of aging between 5 and 6. One thing that is similar between humans and dogs is that as they age, they need different care. In this article, learn 5 tips for caring for your senior bulldog.
Take Regular Walks
Keep up with their exercise routine. Just because your bulldog is getting older, doesn’t mean they don’t still need to exercise. In fact, it’s important to keep up with their exercise routine so they don’t become overweight and put a strain on their joints.
One of the signs that your bulldog is getting older is that they begin to slow down. When that happens they begin to gain weight. A short daily walk will help keep them fit and healthy.
Be Mindful of Their Diet
As bulldogs age, they may start to suffer from health problems like diabetes or liver disease. It’s important to be mindful of their diet and feed them food that is nutritious and easy to digest.
Choose foods that are made specifically for senior dogs. These foods are designed to meet the needs of older dogs and can help them maintain their health. Be sure to check in with your veterinarian to determine if they have any diet restrictions or if you need to use any supplements.
Keep Their Skin Healthy
All bulldogs can have dry, flaky skin and allergies but senior dogs are more prone to skin issues because of their advanced age and weakened immune system. If your senior bulldog is scratching, licking, chewing, or showing other signs of inflammation or irritation in their skin folds and wrinkles, it is important to follow a regular skincare routine to keep their skin clean and protected.
Use a mild hypoallergenic shampoo made especially for dogs when bathing them. In between baths, keep them clean using Squishface Wrinkle Wipes. Our Wrinkle Wipes have phytosphingosine in them. Phytosphingosine is a pro-ceramide with anti-inflammatory and microbe repelling properties. It helps rebuild the natural ceramides found in the skin barrier which is critical in helping keep the skin healthy. Follow with Squishface Wrinkle Paste which forms a water-repellent barrier on the skin surface to keep moisture, yeast, fungus, and other bacteria away.
Brush Their Teeth
Bulldogs are more prone to dental disease than any other dog breed. As bulldogs age, their teeth and gums can become even more susceptible to disease. It’s important to brush their teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. You should also have their teeth cleaned by a professional veterinarian at least once a year.
Pay Attention to Their Mental Health
As bulldogs age, they can suffer from anxiety and depression just like humans. It’s important to pay attention to their mental health and look for signs that they may be struggling.
Some common signs of anxiety in bulldogs include excessive panting, drooling, chewing, licking, and pacing. If you notice your bulldog exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about ways to help them.
The Bottom Line
Caring for a senior bulldog can be challenging but it’s also rewarding. By following these tips, you can help your bulldog age gracefully and enjoy its golden years.
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