Providing Comfort for Senior Pets: 6 Things to Know
As pets get older, their needs change. Just like elderly humans, senior pets need some extra care and comfort. Here are some important things to know about making your aging furry friend as comfortable as possible.
Adjust Their Environment
One of the best things you can do for an older pet is to adjust their environment to meet their changing physical abilities. For example, put out extra pet beds around your home so they don’t have to walk as far to find a soft, comfortable place to rest their joints. Use ramps or steps to help them get onto furniture more easily. Move food and water closer to where they sleep so they don’t have to go as far when they get thirsty or hungry.
You may also need to limit their access to certain parts of the home like the stairs, which could be dangerous as their mobility decreases. Confine them to one level of the house or block off access to specific rooms or areas. This will keep them safe while still allowing some freedom of movement.
Provide Joint Support
Just like humans, pets can develop arthritis and joint pain as they age. To help keep their joints healthy, provide orthopedic beds and mats. These distribute weight more evenly and reduce pressure on sore joints. You can also talk to your vet about glucosamine or other joint supplements which may help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Your vet may suggest prescription pain medications as well for pets with severe arthritis pain. Gentle daily massages can also help soothe achy muscles and joints. Keeping their joints mobile with short, easy walks is important too.
Groom Regularly
Grooming is essential for your senior pet’s health and comfort. Older pets may struggle to properly groom themselves, leading to matted fur, skin irritation, and discomfort. Brush or comb their coat a few times per week to remove loose hair and prevent tangles and mats. Trim their nails regularly since overgrown nails can cause pain and alter their gait.
Check for fleas, ticks and skin bumps or lesions during grooming sessions. Clean inside and around their ears to prevent infections. Brush their teeth or use dental treats to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Your vet can show you the proper technique for grooming your senior pet.
Adjust Their Diet
Your aging pet may need a different diet to match their changing nutritional needs. Talk to your vet about an age-appropriate food that supports joint health, digestive health, heart health and energy levels. They may suggest a blend with increased protein and fat for weight management, or easier to digest foods if your pet has digestive issues.
You may need to transition them to smaller, more frequent meals if they have dental issues or difficulty maintaining their weight. Keep them hydrated by providing easy access to fresh water at all times. Check with your vet before providing any dietary supplements for senior pets. Proper nutrition helps senior pets feel their best.
Provide Proper Veterinary Care
It’s essential to bring senior pets to for wellness exams twice per year. Age-related diseases often have subtle signs that owners can miss. Your vet can detect issues early before they become severe. Diagnose and treat any emerging health problems to keep your pet comfortable.
Core vaccines may be given less frequently as your pet ages. However, always keep rabies vaccines current based on your location’s laws. Follow your vet’s advice on diagnostic tests like bloodwork to proactively monitor your pet’s health. Prompt veterinary care ensures your pet’s golden years are as comfortable as possible.
End of Life Care
End of life care is important, but use verified vets only when the time comes to say goodbye to your much-loved pet.
Adjusting their environment, diet, grooming routine and veterinary care goes a long way in keeping senior pets healthy and content. However, your love, attention and companionship are just as essential. Together you can enjoy their silver fur and senior status for many years to come.
