It’s a gradual change: It begins with grey hair around their eyes and snout. Your evening jogs together in the park become strolls, and there are less and less games of fetch. This is when you realize that your pet has entered their senior years, and this new stage of life may require some adjustments to your pet’s healthcare practices – needing a little extra TLC! With these expected changes, we wanted to take the time to share some essential senior pet care tips!
- Regular vet visits are important: This is not the first time you have heard this from us! To keep your senior pet happy and healthy, we recommend at least two visits a year – but this is also contingent on your individual pet’s needs. More frequent visits to the vet allow us to detect any health concerns as soon as possible. Plus, we always love seeing you and your furry family member! 😊
- Modify their diet as needed: As your pet gets older, they typically become less active and are naturally burning fewer calories. Because of this, they may not need as much food or even require a slight adjustment to their diet. With obesity being one of the most common age-related diseases in senior pets, it’s important we look at all options to ensure we are providing the proper nutrition for them in this new season of life.
- Continue exercising: We know your pets will not be as agile as they were as babies, but it’s essential to keep them moving! If they do not receive any form of exercise in their senior years, they will begin to lose muscle tone, thus making them weaker much faster. Whether it’s a short walk a few nights a week or playing with the laser pointer for a bit each day, exercise is a significant part of keeping your pet feeling good!
- Make your house “senior-friendly”: With age comes decreased mobility. Your dog may not be able to jump up on the couch anymore, or your cat may have a hard time using the litter box. Tailoring your home to fit your pet’s mobility needs will help them live more comfortably. Examples of these changes could include investing in a platform for food and water bowls, finding a litter box with a larger opening, and even buying a small ramp or stairs for climbing. If your pet suffers from arthritis – a common age-related condition – there are many arthritic treatments available, including supplements, pain, and anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, laser therapy, and even special exercise routines. If your pet’s mobility issues worsen, talk with us about the best options provided that could help alleviate their pain and discomfort. Whatever the case may be, it’s essential to be on the lookout for ways to make life easier for your pet.
Aging is a natural part of life and happens, no matter what. We know how much your pet means to you – and also to us! As your trusted partner in pet health care, we wanted to share valuable information that could give you more walks around the neighborhood with your dog, and additional play sessions with your cat!