Senior Pet Month
November is Senior Pet Month and we are celebrating by sharing the tips pet professionals use to care for senior fur babies at home. We understand that your pets are part of your family, and as they age you want to give them the best care that you can. The best way to do this is to familiarize yourself with common ailments that affect senior pets, learn some tips for keeping them healthy and comfortable, and how to utilize pet professionals to assist you along this journey.
The most common ailments that affect senior pets are obesity, arthritis, vision, and hearing loss. Obesity can lead to heart disease, joint pain, and overall unhealthy lifestyles. When your pet is overweight, they will have less energy and will not be able to participate in family activities as they may have previously. Extra weight puts even more stress on their bodies, and can cause your pet to seemingly age much faster than normal. Arthritis is less common than obesity, but affects as many as 60 percent of dogs and can be extremely painful. As with any concerns, your veterinarian can assist in treating this ailment. Arthritis can go undiagnosed in your dog, as pets have seemingly mastered the art of hiding their pain. Look for signs of stiffness, or if your dog is slow to get up from a seated or laying down position, they may stop being as playful, or seem to tire quickly from a walk. As with humans, hearing and vision loss may accompany old age. Regular veterinary check ups can help catch these early so that you can help accommodate your pet’s needs as they age. When a dog’s vision or hearing begin to deteriorate, they may not come when called, and may be more susceptible to injury as they will not be as aware of their surroundings as they once were.
Regular veterinary care becomes more and more important as your pet ages. Your vet will be able to screen for, and catch many illnesses early if they are able to keep up to date records of your pet. If your pet needs medications, your veterinarian will be able to teach you how to administer the medications and help you find supplements that can keep your pet comfortable and healthier. Besides veterinary care, you can provide your pet with age-appropriate chews or treats that won’t hurt their teeth and are easily digestible. Providing your pet with a comfortable area to sleep will help ease some joint pain and can help them regulate body temperature. We recommend a thick padded bed for them, and possibly a blanket or two that they can snuggle into. If your pet is outside, please ensure they have a way to keep cool in the summer and stay warm in the winter. As they age, it can be more difficult for them to regulate their temperature, they may become overheated easily which could cause serious illness.
Connecting with local pet care professionals can help you and your pet through this journey as they age. Groomers can help keep them comfortable by keeping their nails and coat at a healthy length. Another common ailment affecting older pets is loss of bladder control. A pet sitter can help prevent messes by offering potty breaks throughout the day. Most pet sitters can assist with administering medications, and just keeping your pet loved and cared for while you are not home. Since we work with multiple clients, pet sitters may also be able to offer tips or tricks to help you and your pet during this time. Never hesitate to ask your pet sitter, groomer, vet, or vet tech for advice. They care about your pet and want them to be happy as well.
Your pet still needs you as they age, in fact they may need you more than ever. You are able to monitor them and keep watch for the ailments we discussed, or any other issues that may arise. It is best to be overly cautious and reach out for help if you become concerned with your pet’s behavior. Your vet can help walk you through what to expect and they can offer advice for diet changes, exercise tips, and overall care for your pet to keep them happy and healthy.
November is Senior Pet Month and we are celebrating by sharing the tips pet professionals use to care for senior fur babies at home. We understand that your pets are part of your family, and as they age you want to give them the best care that you can. The best way to do this…