One of the most challenging aspects of owning a pet is knowing that our beloved pets will not live to see their golden years. As they approach their old age, it’s time to think about what you can do to protect their health best and prolong their life.
Visit your pet’s vet more frequently as they get older. Based on your pets’ health condition, a vet will advise how often you need to see them. Your veterinarian will be better able to spot issues earlier and stop the situation from worsening. This can help you save cash on expensive treatment.
Senior Pet Care Tips
Your dog or cat must be as long as they can. Throughout its life, you should provide excellent care for your pet. As your pet’s age and demands change, here are four tips to follow.
1. Provide Optimal Nutrition
Nutrition is crucial for all pets; however, senior pets must ensure health in their older years. Many senior pet diets contain fewer calories, which can help reduce the weight gain that occurs when metabolism decreases. Antioxidants help fight free radicals and omega-3 acids to improve joint health. If your pet suffers from a chronic condition like liver disease or kidney disease, a prescription diet could be a viable option.
Senior pets are less active, and when their diets aren’t adjusted, they may acquire weight. Obese older pets might develop significant health problems soon. Contact a veterinary hospital like Mooresville veterinary, Iredell County, for more information.
2. Protect Your Senior Pet’s Joint Health
As they age, joints in your pets are more fragile, making it harder for them to move stairs, furniture, and slippery surfaces. Provide carpet runners on slippery surfaces or orthopedic beds to make it easier for your pet to reach their favorite places.
Installing pet steps might be an excellent option to make it more convenient for your pet to climb up to the bed or couch. A raised water and food stand will also help your older pet avoid bending down on painful elbows to get their bowls. Senior cats are also less likely to vomit in an unattended litter box.
3. Engage in Daily Enrichment Activities
Many pet owners believe the cognitive decline is a normal part of aging; it is a widespread problem among older pets. However, a declining cognitive function could affect your bond with your pet’s senior, making them fearful and agitated at night or causing them to eliminate in your home. Your pet’s brain can stay sharp by engaging in active play-like exercises and searching for treats.
Your pet should get enough exercise. If your pet can no longer manage long walks, it is essential to be taking them for shorter, more frequent walks. Mental wellness is a necessary aspect of senior pet care. It is recommended to use food puzzles and toys to help keep your pet’s brain active in their later years. Click here for more details.
4. Invest in Regular Veterinary Care
Senior animals are more susceptible to falling ill rapidly. Regular veterinary visits are crucial to identify illnesses early. Senior pets should undergo biennial wellness checks and frequent visits to the veterinarian if suffering from a chronic disease. Emergency veterinary clinics like Mooresville emergency animal hospitals offer urgent care for your pets.
