Just because they are older doesn’t mean your senior pet can’t enjoy a healthy and happy life. Keep these 10 tips in mind and they’ll stay that way as long as possible!
1. Health check-ups
Make sure your senior pet has regular visits with your veterinarian. In fact, many veterinarians recommend that senior dogs should be examined twice a year, even more so if the dog has serious health issues. A thorough physical examination by your veterinarian may reveal health issues that can impact your pet’s life and comfort level, such as dental disease, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and more.
2. Diet supplements and special treatments
Products such as glucosamine/chondroitin can be used for arthritis. there are also massage therapists and water treatment programs to help older animals find relief from their aches and pains.
3. Behavior changes in your dog
Watch your senior’s behavior carefully. This is important for all pets but doubly so for senior dogs. Changes in your friend’s behavior may be a symptom of disease. Watch specifically for changes in their appetite and water consumption. Any changes in your senior pet’s routines or behaviors should prompted a consultation with your veterinarian.
4. Getting around
Be aware that your senior animal may have pain caused by arthritis or other health issues that make it diffult for them to get around as well as they did when they were younger.
- Ramps or stairs to access furniture or beds
- Ramps on stairs may make it easier to get up and down the stairs
- Carpeting on slippery floors to help your dog gain their footing
5. Age-appropriate diet
Dietary requirements may change as your pet ages. It’s important that you proved your senior a pet food that is age appropriate. Some older pets tend to gain weight and may need a diet for less active animals. Others may have difficulty holding their weight and may need a diet with a higher calorie content or better palatability.
6. Show your softer side
Provide soft blankets and towels for your senior animal’s bed. This will help them to rest easier and sleep better. There are even special orthopedic beds made for seniors. In addition to having a denser form to help cushion your furry friend’s aging joints, some orthopedic beds can be outfitted with a heat and/or vibration source, which increase circulation and reduces stiffness – perfect for animals with arthritis.
7. Keep active
Give your senior dog adequate exercise, but adjust it to their changing abilities. As with our own bodies, exercise benefits old dogs in many ways, keeping muscles toned and minds clearer. Making the time for even a gentle walk around the block every day will keep the muscles from atrophy, and the sights and especially the smells will keep an old dog’s mind stimulated and engaged in the world around them.
8. Save the smile
Attend to your pet’s dental health. Brush their teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally whenever your vet advises it. Tarter build-up on neglected teeth leads to inflamed and infected gums, or gingivitis. The bacteria from gingivitis affects all body systems, especially the major organs of kidney, liver, and heart.
9. All ears
You may notice your old friend doesn’t respond to you like they used to. Hearing loss is very common as animals age and they may not realize you’re calling them. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash or within your sight if you take them to the park, on an easy hike, or even on your own property.
10. The best is yet to come
Make your senior as much a part of your life as possible, and do all you can to keep them interested, active, happy, and comfortable.
With November being Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, it is the perfect time to head to SCRAPS and see if there is a senior dog or cat that would be a great addition to your home and family!
SOURCE – SCRAPS release, November 2017
