Caring for an Older Cavalier King Charles
The Cavalier reaches this status somewhere between 8-10 years depending on their health.
Caring for an older dog:
Increase the annual vet check to twice a year including a blood check. This will enable the vet to ensure anything needing treatment will be picked up sooner rather than later.
Ensure your Cavalier gets regular exercise to help maintain fitness and joint health. As their age increases, moderate the exercise but still maintain it. You wouldn’t expect the average 70-80yo person to exercise at the same level of a 20-30yo and you shouldn’t expect it of your dog. Exercise in different ways such as swimming if your dog is overweight or has joint soreness.
Keep your Cavalier on a healthy diet. Don’t fall into the trap of giving too many treats, just because your dog has mastered the ‘begging eyes’ act perfectly. Being overweight is not good for any Cavalier but adds more problems for your ‘Oldie’.
Talk to your vet about supplements to assist with joint mobility or probiotics to help with digestive health.
Play games that stimulate the brain using puzzle toys, scavenger hunts around the house for treats (don’t overfeed) and playing hide and seek. These games will be fun for you both and boost your Cavalier’s cognitive ability. Dementia can be a dog problem too.
Take your ‘Oldie’ out to different places as an adventure, giving him/her new sights, sounds, smells. You will both enjoy the new experience.
Maintain dental care. Again prevention is better than cure as older dogs with health problems, particularly advanced MVD may not be able to withstand the anaesthetic required to have teeth cleaned.
You may need to make changes in your home such as replacing bedding with a heated one for winter, placing steps next to the favourite chair, couch or other piece of furniture and putting non-slip mats down in areas where your ‘Oldie’ might slip. You nay need to adjust things if your dog cannot manage the stairs to an upper floor anymore. Any adjustment to help them maintain their independence is great.
Meet some of our beautiful ‘Golden Oldies’
