What to Expect When Your Dog Turns 6
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At six years old, your pup is on the tail end of adulthood. Pretty soon they will be considered a senior dog. But this doesn’t mean they are ready to slow down and take it easy. They still thrive on adventure and experiencing new things. Daily walks are still necessary, as is play time. While there may be no outward signs of aging, it’s impawtant to get into the habit of watching your pooch for any abnormal behavior. As time goes on, this can help identify any health issues. Here is some more furrific infurmation about your six year old furry friend.Â
Growth and Development
Never underestimate the impawtance of stimulating your doggo’s mind. Just as daily exercise is key to keeping your pooch fit, mental stimulation keeps their minds sharp. Plus, brain games prevent boredom, which in turn prevents destructive behavior. You don’t have to break the bank on expensive toys, as a game of hide and seek or a treasure hunt for their favorite treat is just as effective. Another great DIY game is to put some kibble in a muffin tin and place tennis balls in every cup. Your pup can use their nose to find the goodies. Or get three cups and place a toy or treat under one so they can sniff out the prize. Not only is mental stimulation a great way to spend quality time with your pup, it keeps their mind in tip top shape, which is impawtant as they head into their older years.
Health
Just like with their human counterparts, a dog’s metabolism slows down as they get older. You may notice your pup’s tummy getting a bit rounder as the days and weeks go by. Run your hands along their sides. Using a gentle touch, you should be able to feel their ribs. And if you stand above your pup, you should be able to see a defined waist. If not, it’s time to talk to your vet about a change in their diet. One of the best ways to help your furry friend is good old fashioned calorie counting. Consult your vet about how many calories your pup should be taking in per day. You may need to switch them to low calorie kibble or even get prescription diet food. Diet food has a reduced amount of fat and more protein. Be sure your canine companion is also getting plenty of exercise and the right amount of treats.
Training
If your dog could tell you one thing, it would be that they absolutely love play time. In fact, if they had their way, they’d want to play with you all day! It could be fetching their favorite ball, pulling on a tug toy, or finding a hidden bone. While playing, sneak in some training techniques so they learn while having fun. For example, ask your pooch to ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ while you throw the ball or hide. They get to play and you get a better trained pup!
A Lot
Adult dogs sleep between 14-18 hours a day.
Reinforce the Basics
Keep practicing basic commands with your dog.
Puzzles
Challenge your pup by giving them a puzzle toy.
