What to Know About Senior Dog and Cat Care
Older animals may lack the agility and frequent bouts of zoomies of younger pets, but that doesn’t mean we love them any less! Since animals slow down with age, the best way to appreciate your senior pet is to keep them healthy and happy.
Senior pets are also more susceptible to kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer. Don’t worry though: your furry friend will live longer when you cater to their mental, physical, and medical needs.
What Qualifies a Pet as a “Senior?”
Unlike human beings, there’s no universal age for a senior pet. It all depends on the species and breed. For example, cats become seniors when they hit 10 years. On the flip side, dogs become seniors at the following ages per the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
· Giant breeds: 6-7 years
· Large breeds: 8-9 years
· Medium-sized breeds: 8-10 years
· Small breeds: 8-11 years
Tips for Looking After Senior Pets
Older pets have different requirements from puppies, kittens, and adult pets. Here’s how to care for your older pet.
Look Out for Subtle Changes
Because animals don’t talk, discomfort isn’t always obvious in senior pets. If you don’t keep an eye on your buddy, they can hide their pain until it becomes unbearable. For starters, monitor their activity levels. Your pet might be suffering from arthritis if they struggle to climb stairs, get in the car, or jump on the couch. Behavioral changes such as aggression, avoidance, and disorientation can also point to distress.
Weight monitoring is also important. Extra pounds can predispose your pet to diabetes, arthritis, and respiratory complications. Rapid weight loss can signal kidney disease, dental disease, and many other health conditions, including cancer.
Keep Them Active
In addition to weight regulation, exercise improves your pet’s mood while preventing diseases and behavioral issues.
There are several ways to make sure they’re getting enough exercise.
For starters, swimming engages your dog’s entire body without putting too much pressure on the joints. You could visit pet-friendly pools or go to a nearby pond or beach. Note that swimming isn’t ideal for every pet. While some dogs hate swimming, breeds such as pugs and bulldogs have a hard time in the water because of their flat faces and barrel-shaped bodies. Another fun activity is walking. Senior pets might not go as far as they used to before, but you can still exercise their bones and muscles with short, frequent walks.
Remember, exercise isn’t limited to physical activity–you can also stimulate your buddy’s mind with puzzles, new tricks, taste tests, and hide-and-seek games. Remember to consult your vet for an exercise plan. Sometimes, your pet may have some underlying issues that hinder physical activity.
Make Special Accommodations
Home modifications go a long way in supporting your furry family members. The first step is installing non-slip rugs to prevent falls. While you can remove tripping hazards, maintain furniture arrangements to avoid confusing your pet.
Another measure is warming the house. You can keep older pets comfortable by adjusting your thermostat, moving them away from windows and vents, and layering their bedding with more blankets. If your furry friend struggles with movement, you could get a ramp to help them up the bed or couch. Gates also prevent your pet from falling down the stairs or wandering into the pool when you’re away.
Prioritize Veterinary Care
Although veterinary care is a priority for pets of all ages, senior animals should go to the vet every 6 months to catch diseases at an early stage. In addition to blood and urine tests, the vet physically examines your furry friend by checking their eyes, teeth, joints, heart and lungs, and lymph nodes. The vet may also recommend a diet or supplements to meet your pet’s needs.
Contact us to make an appointment today!
Read more: