Your best friend’s reached his golden years. He’s not as spry as he was. Maybe he doesn’t see or hear as well. Older dogs require special care, but they also bring special gifts. You want the best for your old pal, giving him the highest quality of life you can.

Feeding

You might want to switch your dog to a special diet formulated for senior canines. It’s important to prevent Fido from becoming fat. Obesity isn’t healthy at any age, but it’s a condition that less-active senior dogs consuming the same amount of food they did in their prime can easily develop. Talk to your vet about your dog’s diet and any special nutritional requirements he might have.

Preventive Care

If you’re lucky, your senior dog is healthy and you want to keep him that way. That might mean taking him to the vet more often than his once-a-year checkup. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, older dogs “in the last 25 percent of the predicted life span for their breed” should optimally have an examination about every six months. Your vet monitors your dog’s weight, inspects him for any arthritic changes and examines his skin for any lumps or bumps. Regular blood, thyroid, fecal and urine tests alert your vet to any changes requiring further investigation. Tell your vet about any changes you’ve noticed in your dog’s behavior, even if it seems minor to you.

Supplements

While your vet prescribes any necessary medication for your old dog, some over-the-counter supplements may improve his quality of life if he shows certain arthritic changes. Supplements for dogs containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and methyl-sufonyl-methane may slow down the cartilage breakdown that is the essence of arthritis. While these supplements might help put a spring back in his step, always check with your vet before giving your dog any over-the-counter treatment.

Exercise

Even if your dog develops a little hitch in his get-along, he still needs exercise. Regular exercise keeps joints mobile, but his activity level probably isn’t what it once was. Instead of going for runs, take him for walks. Maybe he isn’t up for a half-hour spin around the neighborhood every day, but 15 minutes or so might suit him just fine.

Making Adjustments

Maybe Fido can’t get up and down the stairs as easily as he once did. If you allow him on the furniture, it might be tough for him to climb onto a chair, sofa or bed. You can purchase or build ramps to help him get where he wants to go more easily. If he can’t navigate the stairs to the places he once slept, provide a convenient new sleeping area for him.