10 Tips to Help Your Pet Age Gracefully
Is your dog or cat showing signs of aging? A little grey hair? Maybe he’s moving slower? As our pets age, we have to keep in mind that their needs change as well. Sometimes, we see our pets as our little fur babies (and they are), but we neglect to address their needs as senior pets. As your pet transitions from an adult to a senior citizen, there are some things you can do to help keep him in tip top shape and keep him as happy as can be at the same time.
With technical advances in veterinary medicines and high pet owner awareness and responsibility, our pets are living longer than ever before.
How do I know if my dog or cat is a senior?
The age at which your pet officially becomes a senior will vary between species and size. For example, in most cases, large dogs age earlier than small dogs and cats. Very large breed dogs are considered seniors as early as six years old, while small and mediums-sized dogs and most cats reach senior status at seven to nine years old.
If you aren’t quite sure if your pet has reach the senior stage, talk to your vet to find out.
Here are ten tips to help your pet age as gracefully as possible.
1. Schedule Regular Check Ups
Your senior cat or dog should see the vet about twice a year. Remember, the earlier you address any possible issues, the better. Neglecting to get your dog or cat examined regularly, along with blood tests and dental exams could potentially take years off of his life. Dental hygiene continues to be crucial as dental disease can lead to other diseases and that concern becomes more prevalent as your pet ages.
2. Alert Your Vet To ANY Changes
If you notice any changes in your pet’s activity, diet, or behavior speak to the vet about these changes and what could be causing them.
3. Make Them Comfortable
When it comes to the older dogs and cats, you should try to keep them out of extreme temperatures and elements. If your dog or cat lives mainly outside, consider bringing them in on cold winter nights or the hot summer days. If they are unable to come inside, think about getting them a dog house, or “cat” house, with plenty of blankets.
Spoiling your aging pets is never frowned upon, and I’m sure they appreciate it. Buying a firm bed and a nice warm blanket to snuggle will be very helpful to your pet’s aching bones.
4. Watch The Weight
Elderly animals are less active so they require fewer calories, but even pets that consume less calories may have more fat on their bodies as they enter their senior years. That’s why the exercise component is crucial. You want them to keep the weight off. Speak to your vet about how much food you should be giving your pet.
5. Provide The Appropriate Diet
You should continue feeding your dog or cat a high quality diet, but it’s important to adjust his caloric intake. Changing to a senior formula for your dog or cat can help keep your pet active and flourishing. Most senior formula foods are formulated special to help get the correct vitamins and nutrients that a senior pet needs.
High protein is still necessary to help build strong muscles. You can reduce calories yet still keep protein high. Antioxidants such as beta carotene and vitamin are important too as they help combat free radicals and slow the aging process.
If you are unsure of which brand is best for your pet, ask your vet if they have any recommendations.
6. Exercise Regularly, But Take It Easy
Even at this stage of his life, your dog needs regular exercise to build and maintain strong bones and muscles. Many senior dogs deal with arthritis and exercise helps keep senior pets agile which in turn, lessens pain associated with it. Of course, take care not to over exercise your dog.
Make sure to avoid strenuous exercise. If your dog is your running partner, it may be time to hang up their running shoes and try some brisk walking instead. Exercise is still important for you pet, so keep those joints moving. just a little slower.
Talk to your vet and your pet sitter to come up with an exercise regime that fits your pet’s needs.
7. Mental Stimulation
Your pet may be slowing down both physically and mentally, but that’s all the more reason to interact with him. Just as physical exercise keeps his bones and muscles strong, mental stimulation keeps him sharp and interested in life. A dog or cat who lacks stimulation will become depressed, distressed and more susceptible to illnesses associate with aging.
Play fetch, continue to teach him tricks, give him toys that entice him to problem solve. Even things such as the Kong and other treat toys keep him strategizing and that’s what’s important. The goal is to stimulate all of his senses.
8. Avoid Stress
Try to keep your pet’s routine consistent and the household changes to a minimal. If changes are inevitable, take your time and show your pet around the house by leading them by a leash from room to room.
Your dog or cat has no doubt provided you with many years of love and companionship. Show your appreciation by being patient with him. Aging can be stressful with humans and pets alike. Slowing down, dealing with arthritis and other illnesses is tough. Shower him with love when he makes mistakes because he won’t be with you forever.
9. Help With Grooming
Grooming can become difficult for your pet, so try to help them out by scheduling regular grooms and brush them out daily/weekly (depending on the amount of hair).
10. Lots of Love
Last, but possibly the most important, give your pet some extra love. More cuddle time, extra kisses and warm hugs would not go amiss. Extra loving helps the soul, and the bones, feel good.
