It’s hard to accept that your once vibrant puppy or kitten is going to age and slow down. When your pets grow older, they need more love and care. The goal is to keep them as healthy and comfortable as you can. Senior pets require patience and love. If they have health issues, you should keep an eye on them and help them where you can.
Keeping your senior pets active and healthy is good for them. It improves their quality of life. Here are some insights on how to keep your senior pets active, healthy, and happy.
Make Your Home Senior-Friendly for the Pet
When you notice that your pets are struggling, change their environment to suit their comfort. Put their food and water in a place where they can easily access it. Keep their bed warm, clean, and dry. Give them extra time when you call them if they are hard of hearing. Keep the door open for them in case they need many bathroom breaks.
Exercise Is Still Important
As much as your senior pet seems bored all the time, exercise is still good for them; they may not chase balls and sticks and run around all the time. You have to encourage them to do light exercises. If they have arthritis and other conditions, consult with your vet on the best exercises for them. Take a stroll around the block instead of the long jogs that you have with younger pets.
Feed Them Properly
Senior pets need a senior-friendly diet. Consult with your vet on what is good for them as they age. Soft foods packed with nutrients and energy are the best for senior pets. Feed them a balanced diet. Keep fats and calories in check. Snacks should be soft, easy to chew, and low on sodium and sugars. Keep them hydrated at all times.
Explore New Things
As much as senior pets do not move about as much as younger ones, they still need emotional and physical stimulation. Explore new parks and make new friends and let them socialize. Teach them new tricks to keep them excited about life. Get them new toys and activities to help them stay active and healthy. Give them time and attention every time that you can.
Take Regular Visits to the Vet
Senior pets are predisposed to old age diseases and conditions. They are more likely to have arthritis, kidney disease, and cancer. They are also likely to be agitated and socially withdrawn. Schedule routine visits to the vet to keep up with their health checks. They need to be groomed and vaccinated to protect them from opportunistic pests and parasites.
Focus on Their Quality of Life
Depending on the age of your pet, you can tell what they like best. If they do not feel like enduring half an hour of physical therapy, give them a free pass from time to time. If they start to lose their cognitive and physical function, visit your vet and consult on how to help them.
For more information on senior pet care, visit Highland Veterinary Clinic at our offices in Evansville, Indiana. You can also call 812-710-4300 to schedule an appointment.
