5 Tips to Care for Your Senior Pets!
We want to help you make sure your furry friends is happy and healthy for as many years as possible! Follow these 5 tips to caring for your senior pet to ensure they receive best quality of life for their remaining years!
1) Provide Assistance for Everyday Tasks
As your pet has gotten older, their joints are more fragile than when they were young. For this reason, things like running down the hall and jumping on the couch or bed can be hazardous. Try adding some props around the house to assist them with these things!
“Blocking off stairways so your dog can't fall while using them, and avoiding moving furniture and re-arranging the house because that requires senior dogs to learn new pathways. (1)”
Providing dog steps for access to the couch and/or bed makes it much easier and safer for your pooch to reach his favorite places. (1)
“Slippery floors are a nightmare for dogs with mobility issues,” Dr. Morgan says. “Having carpet runners or rubber mat runners is much safer and more comfortable for them.(1)”
2) Increase Vet Visits
“Senior pets need to see a veterinarian twice a year or more so signs of illness or other problems can be found and treated early, before they become bigger problems. Senior pet exams are similar to those for younger pets but more in-depth. These exams may include dental care, possible bloodwork, and specific checks for signs of aging-related diseases.(2)”
3) Make Sure They Get the Right Amount of Exercise
When pets are old, we want to make sure they are staying active, but we also want to make sure they are not overdoing it! “Slowing down is a natural process with age, and it means you might need to coax your four-legged friend to exercise.(1)”
Taking your dog to walk in new areas can encourage them to sniff around, stimulating their senses while getting exercise on a walk!
Mix it up to keep things mentally interesting as well. Try a new toy, alternate between a swim and the dog park, or change up the route around the neighborhood. (1)
4) Keep an Eye Out For Changes in Behavior
“Behavior changes in your pet can be the first signs of aging. These changes might be due to discomfort or pain (as with arthritis), worsening sight or hearing, certain diseases, or just the normal aging process. A type of brain impairment called “cognitive dysfunction,” which is similar to senility in people, also may be responsible. (2)” Some of these behavior changes include:
Increased reaction to strange or loud sounds
Increased barking/meowing
Increased aggressive/protective behavior
Increased anxiety
Increased wandering
House soiling (“accidents”)
Changes in sleep patterns
5) Keep a Balanced Diet and Introduce Supplements
“While we might be tempted to fudge on our senior dog’s diet, maintaining balanced nutrition with high-quality ingredients is one of the best ways to love them. Because obesity shortens a dog’s lifespan and increases their risks of developing diseases and other problems, watch for excess weight. (1)
Licks Senior for Cats, and ElderDog supplements for dogs are the PERFECT addition to a senior pet’s diet!! These support both joint and heart health to help your pet live their best life, here’s why-
USA Veg Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound composed of a sugar and an amino acid that is involved with the production of joint lubricants. Protects feline bladder’s inner lining by replicating the mucus layer
Omega 3 Fish Oil Provides important nutrients for proper immune function, aiding in any condition involving inflammation and the region of free radicals, including skin allergies, respiratory issues, achy joints, and indigestion
L-Carnitine metabolizes fatty acids into energy, while maintaining the lean muscle mass which helps reduce overall body fat
