If your senior dog is losing weight or struggling to maintain a healthy size, it can be concerning. Learn practical tips and expert-approved methods to help your older canine regain weight while ensuring their overall health and happiness.
Luna isn’t just a dog. She’s my best friend, my little shadow who’s been by my side through all the highs and lows. But recently, I noticed something: she’s losing weight. Watching her slowly slim down broke my heart. Was she not eating enough? Could it be something else?
So, I started researching, visiting the vet, and testing out different meals in the kitchen, all while making sure Luna knew I was here for her every step of the way. If you’re going through the same thing with your senior dog, here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Step 1: Making Meals Exciting Again
Luna used to be the first one at the food bowl, but lately, she’d glance at her meals and walk away. I knew something had to change, so I started mixing things up:
- Switching to High-Calorie Food: I moved her to a senior dog food that’s rich in calories. Then I added a little salmon oil on top. She went from sniffing her food to gobbling it down in no time.
- Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Instead of two big meals, Luna now eats four smaller ones throughout the day. It’s like a little foodie adventure every time!
- Tasty Toppings: To make her meals even more exciting, I’ve been adding some low-sodium chicken broth or plain Greek yogurt on top. It’s become a real treat for her, and she’s been enjoying her meals more than ever.
Step 2: Supplements to Boost Her Health
I wasn’t sure what to add at first, but after talking with the vet, I started giving Luna some helpful supplements:
- Fish Oil: Luna’s coat has become so soft and shiny, and it’s great for her joints too. She’s still moving around well for her age, and I think the fish oil has been a big help.
- Probiotics: I sprinkle a little probiotic powder or mix in yogurt with her meals, and it’s done wonders for her digestion.
- Weight Gainer: With the vet’s approval, I added a supplement designed to help her gain weight safely. It’s been working slowly but surely.
Step 3: Making Mealtime a Special Event
It turns out that how I serve Luna’s meals is just as important as what I give her. I’ve started making mealtime a little more special:
- Warm Up the Food: A quick warm-up in the microwave makes the food smell even better. Luna can’t resist it now!
- Hand-Feeding: Sometimes, I’ll sit with her, hand-feed her a little, and it works like a charm. She gets more excited to eat when she sees I’m right there with her.
- A Quiet Eating Space: I’ve created a calm, quiet corner just for Luna during mealtime. No distractions, no noise—just her and her food, and she seems to enjoy it more this way.
Step 4: Addressing Health Concerns
Luna’s weight loss could have been due to other underlying health issues, so I made sure to keep an eye on her overall health:
- Dental Care: Luna had some dental issues that were making eating uncomfortable. After a cleaning, she’s been eating much better.
- Managing Arthritis: I adjusted her exercise routine to shorter, easier walks, and added a joint supplement. She still loves her strolls, but at a much slower pace.
- Medication Side Effects: Some of Luna’s medications were affecting her appetite, so we worked with the vet to adjust her treatment plan. That made a huge difference in her eating habits.
Step 5: Creating a Stress-Free Environment
Lastly, I realized that Luna’s environment was just as important as her food. A relaxed dog is a happy dog—and a happy dog eats well!
- A Calm Mealtime: I make sure to feed her in a quiet, peaceful spot with no distractions. It’s just her and her food, and it helps her focus on eating.
- Exercise Adjustments: I switched up her walks to shorter ones with more frequent breaks. That way, she can still get her exercise, but without overexerting herself.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every time Luna gains a little weight, we celebrate with a belly rub or her favorite treat. It’s the little things that make all the effort worth it.
Watching Luna Thrive Again
It’s been such a rewarding experience seeing Luna slowly regain her energy and her healthy weight. It’s not just about the pounds; it’s about watching her get excited for meals again, enjoying her walks, and feeling like herself.
If you’re struggling with a senior dog who’s losing weight, know that you’re not alone in this. It takes time, patience, and a lot of love—but every little victory is worth it. Luna and I are proof that with the right care and some extra attention, our senior pups can still live their best lives!
