Source - Unsplash
Written by Nick Burton
Let’s face it, our pets are our best friends. They provide comfort, lift our spirits, and they become a companion to lift our spirits when we are feeling down. It can be sad when our pets reach their elder years because we know that our time with them is limited. However, by providing proper care, you can ensure your senior pet stays as happy and healthy as possible as they get older.
Here at Dog Tired, we know how important our pets can be, so here are 6-tips for how to provide the best senior care for your furry friend.
Keep Them Active
As your pets get older, it becomes more important that they get the exercise they need to keep their body strong as time goes on. If they don’t move around, they could quickly lose muscle mass and their health could deteriorate even quicker. Senior dogs should exercise at least 30 minutes a day. If you don’t have time to make sure your dog is getting a walk every day, Dog Tired’s professional team of dog walkers can help your pup stay active.
Clear The Clutter
Regardless of the type of pet you have, they will likely be a bit more sluggish as they get older. If you have a cluttered home, you could be making it even harder for them to get around. Tidy up and eliminate those tripping hazards. Cleaning off your furniture can reduce the chance of dust mites and other allergies.
As a pet owner, a house without clutter will also help you to feel better. When our home is messy, it often leads to feeling anxious. Keep the home clean for the health and happiness of you and your pet.
Keep Stress to a Minimum
The human condition in this day and age is to be busy and stressed. Most likely, this applies to your life, and that’s okay. However, for the sake of your pet and yourself, it’s important to find ways to reduce stress. And don’t forget: your stress can actually affect your pet.
So if you struggle with stress, your pet will feel it, and may start acting out accordingly. This can include changes in eating habits, aggression or lethargy, or even excessive scratching. The solution? Incorporate more relaxation into your life, take more leisurely strolls together, make time for snuggling, try to stop working so late or even talk to your supervisor about working from home more often.
Visit The Vet
As your pet gets older, it becomes even more important that you bring them to the veterinarian. Even if you don’t see any issues, you should make it a point to bring your cat or dog to the vet twice per year. If your pet exhibits unusual symptoms like repetitive vomiting, diarrhea, or they refuse to eat, then an emergency visit may be necessary.
There are also some home remedies that you can try if your pet is struggling. For instance, if your pet appears nauseous, give them a safe treat that incorporates ginger, as it can block the serotonin receptors that cause the feeling of nausea. Or, if you believe that your pet is feeling constipated, you can add more fiber to their diet.
Groom Them Regularly
When your pets are younger, they have the energy and the reach to groom most of their bodies on their own, which is essential to spread the natural oils throughout their coat that keeps them healthy. When they are older, it is hard for them to reach the further parts of their body, so you can help by grooming them daily. While you are grooming, you can also keep an eye out for lumps, cuts, or scrapes that may need your attention.
Dental Care
While caring for their skin and hair is important, dental care is just as important when your pets grow older. Just like humans, some older pets, especially dogs, have an increased risk of ailments like gum disease and even cracked teeth, so you need to be vigilant. Brush your pet’s teeth regularly. You can use a finger brush and a pet-friendly toothpaste. If you notice bleeding or swelling, then go to the vet.
As you can see, extra care is necessary as your pet gets older, but when you notice how happy they can be during their senior years, it will be well worth the effort.
