Senior Pet Care: Nurturing the Health and Well-being of Aging Animals

Your senior pet is your best buddy. They have shared many adventures with you, and now they count on you more than ever. How can you show your old pal how much you appreciate them and make them happy?

Here are some tips for senior pet care:
 

What Is a Senior Pet?

Your pet becomes a senior when they age and experience physical and behavioral changes. Their breed and size affect when they become old. Big dogs get old quicker than small ones, and cats get old later than dogs. For example, a giant dog may be senior at five or six, but a little dog may be senior at eight or 10. A cat may be 11 or 12 years old.
 

How to Care for a Senior Pet

Caring for a senior pet requires extra attention and adjustments to their routine and environment. Here are things you can do to make your senior pet's life easier and more enjoyable:
 

Visit the Vet regularly

Your pet may get sick more often as they age. It would be best to take your old friend to the vet at least twice a year for checkups, tests, teeth cleaning, and shots.
 

Feed Them a Healthy Diet

Your pet may need different foods as they age. They may need fewer calories to avoid getting fat, more protein to maintain their muscle mass, more fiber to aid their digestion, or more omega-3 to support their joint health. Ask your vet what food is best for your old friend, and do not give them too many snacks or human food that may make them fat or sick.
 

Keep Them Active

Your pet needs to stay active as they age. It helps them keep their muscles, joints, balance, and mood in good shape. But you may need to change how you exercise with your pet, depending on what they can do.

For example, you may go for short walks instead of long ones, swim instead of run, or play with puzzle toys instead of fetch. Always look for signs your furry friend is tired or sore, and let them rest when they want to.
 

Make Them Comfortable

Your pup may need more support and comfort as they age. They may like a soft, warm bed that is low and quiet. They may also enjoy things that help them move more efficiently, such as ramps, stairs, mats, or harnesses. You can cut their nails, brush their fur, and clean their teeth to keep them from hurting or getting sick.
 

Monitor Their Behavior

Your pet may act differently as they age. They may be more vocal, clingy, anxious, or irritable. They may also have trouble thinking, such as getting lost, forgetting things, or paying less attention.

These changes can stem from various factors, such as pain, stress, boredom, loneliness, or dementia. You can help your pet cope by giving them plenty of love, attention, stimulation, and reassurance.
 

How to Enjoy Your Time With Your Senior Pet

Your senior pet may be slower or less active than before, but they still have a lot of affection and happiness to share.
You can make the most of your time with your senior pet by doing the following:

• Spend quality time together

• Create new memories

• Celebrate their milestones

Senior pets are wonderful companions who enrich their human companions' lives with their loyalty, wisdom, and personality. Using these tips, you can improve their health and happiness and maximize your time with them for as long as possible.

For more pet care tips, visit Dr. Mike's Affordable Vet Care at our Arlington, Texas, office. Call (817) 663-8160 to schedule an appointment today.