Watching your dog grow old is more painful than fulfilling. Unlike human beings, age doesn't mean more achievements and newer experiences. Age doesn't come with gains when it comes to dogs. Instead, it translates to recess. They start making their journey back to their old frail self until it's time to go.

As their physical self weakens, so does their emotional self. And that's when you've got to return their favors! That's exactly when they need you the most.

We know, we know. You might find yourself a bit baffled by the concept. How can you possibly help them?

Well, that's exactly what we address in this article. Here we've listed the top 7 ways of effectively adding joy to your dog's life.

 Let us look into them.

Spend Time Together

The best way to add joy to your old dog's life is to give him what he desires the most! And it is an absolute no-brainer that your dog wants nothing from you but your time.

As your dog ages, it will not be able to get your time on its own. It will not be able to draw your attention as you proceed with your busy schedule. With time, it will lose its ability to hop on your lap as you work. Perhaps, it will become too big. Its body will demand more sleep as it becomes fatigued by the slightest of activities. Hence, it will fall upon you to reach out to your fur bud.

If it's been a while since you held your furry pal, get up and get it to sit with you. Let your dog sit beside you on the sofa as you watch TV. Make some time to spend with your dog in the garden. And at times, sit with it with undivided attention. Brush your dog's hair, groom them, and sit with them in silence. It will fill your dog with joy and buy you some time to ponder over more important aspects of life.

Help Your Bud Keep Up Socially

As mentioned earlier, your furry pal will not be able to jump, hop, and even run as it did at a young age. This would mean it might not form a good company for the young dogs playing around and will often be left alone. And that's particularly true if you keep a family of dogs. The youngsters would surpass your old pal, and it'd often spend time by itself watching others bursting with energy.

Such situations can instill a feeling of isolation. To ward it off, we recommend helping your dog keep up socially. You can do so by allowing your dog to mingle with dogs of its age. Take your dog out to an animal shelter or let it spend time with your neighbor's dog if they fall in the same category.

Apart from this, allow your dog to visit nursing homes. Old dogs make great therapy dogs. And such activity could help replace their old engagements, such as participating in dog shows.

Engage in Less Demanding Games

Owing to your dog's current health status, it is unfair to ask for games that involve heavy physical activity. Instead of playing fetch, consider giving them puzzles and interactive toys. 

Unlike young dogs, senior dogs like to spend their time sitting. Puzzles and interactive toys are an excellent way to help them engage and spend time in a fulfilled manner. It keeps them mentally active and hushes away any spells of loneliness or depression.

Get Your Dog's Portrait

Another great way to add joy to your old dog's life is to treat it with a dog portrait. Although dogs are incapable of acknowledging a portrait the same as humans, it could bring them a sense of authority and value.

As they visualize themselves in a frame hung in the lounge or their room, they will feel more acknowledged as a part of the family. And that's something each dog craves.

Plus, it's going to do you much good too. As you get the portrait hung on your walls, you immortalize your beloved dog, and they will stay with you even after their demise. 

Go Out & Make Memories

Apart from getting your dog's portrait ready, consider going out with your dog. Now that you leave, you might not find your dog chasing you, wagging its tail behind. Instead, it might sit in a corner and watch you leave from hindsight. 

So, do your dog a favor and take him out with you whenever you can. Plan road trips with it, take it hiking, explore the world together!

Indulge in Scent Games

Other than providing them with puzzle toys and interactive games, we suggest playing scent games. Your dog's sensory abilities may begin to weaken with time. For that very reason, it's essential to engage them in activities that reinforce their sensory abilities. Some of the best games you can play with them are:

  • Round Trip
  • Finder's Keeper
  • Ante Up

All of these games use a scented object as the bait to play. And the scented object here is none other than food. 

Allow them to Choose

Lastly, allow your old dog to choose. Your senior dog at least deserves to have this! All their life dogs quietly obey us and let us guide them through. However, their will and wishes go neglected. So if your dog wants to sit with you as you devour your lunch, let it!

Final Thoughts

All in all, adding jot to your furry pal's life is not as difficult as it seems. It's only a matter of the right attention, care, and guide. Good luck!