Keeping Senior Pets Active and Healthy

Keeping your pet active and healthy isn’t always easy, and as they grow older, your pet’s needs don’t always stay the same. As a caring pet owner, it’s important to ensure your pet is getting the support it needs during its senior years.

Here are our top tips for senior pet care so that you can provide your older furbaby with everything they need to stay happy and healthy for the rest of their life.

Time For a Walk

It’s important to keep your pet active during their senior years and a great way to do this is by going on regular walks. Whether it’s a short walk down your street, a trip to your local dog park, or a more challenging hike, regular walks give your pet important exercise, which can reduce their risk of becoming overweight or obese. Your pet will also love spending this quality time with you, and it will help strengthen your bond even further.   

Try Something New

Mental stimulation is important for all animals and new toys, tricks, and even friends can keep your pet happy and entertained. Introducing new tricks and toys will keep their brain active and prevent boredom. For example, food puzzles keep their brain sharp while also keeping your pet occupied and engaged for long periods of time. Consider taking your pet to a local park or training class to meet with others if you feel that they would benefit from making new friends.

Alter Their Diet

A great way to adapt to your pet’s needs is by adjusting their diet to suit them. Your pet has different nutritional requirements now that they’re older and their current diet may no longer be beneficial for them. Your vet can help you to select a suitable diet plan or even suggest a variety of natural supplements based on your pet’s current health and condition. For example, many older dogs are recommended to take glucosamine supplements to improve the health of their joints.

Moving Around the House

As your pet grows older, you’ll find that their eyesight and hearing may start to decline. In order to provide your pet with a safe and comfortable home, you’ll need to make some adjustments. It’s a good idea to keep rooms clean and free of clutter, add carpets or rugs to slippery floors, and install ramps to help your pet get upstairs, onto furniture and into vehicles. Keeping a consistent routine within your home can support your pet’s emotional well-being too, as they will know what to expect and this will help them to feel safe and secure, especially if their cognitive function is declining.     

A Comfortable Place to Rest

While staying active is important, it’s equally essential for your pet to have somewhere comfortable to rest. A warm, padded bed can make a huge difference to an older animal, and a placing a source of water nearby allows them to stay hydrated without having to walk too far. Memory foam beds can be especially good for senior pets as they mold to their body to provide support for sore joints and muscles.    

Don’t Let Grooming Slip

Grooming is important for animals of all ages, including senior pets. Taking good care of your pet’s skin, coat and nails will help to keep them healthy, free from parasites and other problems, and in good condition. Your senior pet may be getting on in years, but regular grooming will help keep them feeling good on in the inside and looking fantastic on the outside too.   

 

Schedule Regular Visits to Your Vet

If you notice any concerning changes in your pet, it’s important to get them checked. Many changes attributed to old age could be symptoms of a condition that can be treated. Regular checkups and visits to your vet can ensure that any developing problems are diagnosed and treated early, preventing your pet from suffering unnecessarily and ensuring that they have the longest and best quality of life possible during their senior years.

If you would like more advice on how to keep your pet active and healthy in their senior years, please contact our experienced and dedicated veterinary team in Hinesville, GA today at (912) 368-4080.