There’s nothing stronger than the love an owner has for their pet, and as time goes on you want nothing more than to continue to provide them with the best care possible. Of course, with time comes significant changes to your pet’s health and lifestyle. As a responsible owner, it’s important that you adapt to these changes so that you can keep your pet happy and healthy as they enter their senior years.
Here’s a list of our top tips to help you keep your senior pet happy and healthy!
Try Something New
It’s important to provide mental stimulation for your pet in its old age and doing something new is just the trick! Whether it’s discovering new places and friends, or playing with new toys and learning new tricks, it’s great to challenge your pet every once in a while. However, ensure that you don’t push them too hard and look out for signs of exhaustion or anxiety. Finding ways to explore new things without pushing them too far out of their comfort zone is a great way to keep them mentally and physically stimulated in older age.
Adapt Their Diet
As your pet gets older, their nutritional needs will change, and their diet should reflect this. Dietary issues such as obesity can be common in older pets (particularly dogs), so it’s a good idea to adjust your pet’s diet to suit them and help them to maintain a healthy weight. In addition to this, natural supplements, which can have a positive impact on a pet’s brain joints and body, such as probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin, may be prescribed by your vet.
Spend Some Quality Time Together
The time spent together with your pet is precious and it can boost both your pet’s mood and your own. Clear space in your schedule to go on walks, sit with them, and enjoy playtime with your pets to make the most of the time you have together.
Keep Your Home Tidy
As your pet ages, their senses tend to deteriorate, and they rely more and more on their memory to navigate around the house. Avoid moving furniture around as this can cause confusion and stress when your pet makes their way through the house. Also, cluttered floors can prove hazardous to your pet as they could trip or slip on stray toys or shoes that may have been left scattered, so keep them as clear as you can.
Keep Your Pet Active
Exercise is crucial for a pet of any age, but it is especially important to ensure that your pet stays active as they grow older. Although they may not be able to be as active as they once were, short, regular walks can help to keep your pet healthy and strengthen their joints and muscles. While out, allow your pet to walk at a pace they are comfortable with and watch for signs of exhaustion – you should avoid overworking your pet as this can do more harm than good.
Ensure They Have a Comfortable Place to Rest
A comfortable place to sleep can make all the difference for your pet and can help prevent aching joints and muscles. For senior pets, memory foam beds are great as they mold to your pet’s body and prevent pressure from being put onto sore and potentially arthritic joints.
Most Importantly… Visit the Vets!
Regular and more frequent trips to a veterinarian is a must for any caring owner of a senior pet. Health problems are more common in older animals and vets are the most qualified people to give advice about how to care for your pet and help you to identify any health concerns in your pet if and when they arise.
For more tips on how to keep your senior pet healthy and active, please speak to our knowledgeable veterinary team in Ashburn, VA by calling (703) 777-5755.
