Our animal companions really bring a lot of love, joy, and laughter to our lives. They stick with us through thick and thin, making us laugh, turning our houses into homes, and comforting us with cuddles, purrs, tail wags, and all of the other adorable things they do. Unfortunately, we often don’t have as much time with our furred and feathered friends as we would like. Your pet’s basic needs won’t change as they age, but you will need to make some adjustments to their care regimen. Read on as a local Eugene, OR veterinarian offers some advice on keeping an older pet content and in good condition.
How Do I Care For A Senior Pet?
For the most part, caring for a senior pet is the same—or at least very similar—to caring for any other pet. You’re also more likely to see slow, gradual changes rather than sudden ones. It’s important to watch for age-related changes and adjust as needed.
Here are our top tips:
- Take Your Senior Pet To Your Lane County, OR Veterinarian
We can’t overstate the importance of keeping up with your pet’s wellness care. Senior pet wellness regimes look a bit different than the plan for a kitten or puppy. Your vet may focus on screening for age-related issues, such as arthritis, and may adjust their recommendations for your furry friend’s diet and exercise plan. Your pet may also benefit from more frequent appointments.
- Feed Your Senior Pet A Great Diet
Older pets have different nutritional requirements. Your vet will advise you on when it’s time to switch to a senior-formula food. Dietary changes should always be made gradually, over the course of several days. You’ll want to begin by mixing the old and new foods together, with the proportion of new food increasing steadily. Watch for adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.
You may need to reconsider your feed setup. Many veterinarians recommend giving senior dogs elevated dishes. These are a bit easier for Fido to eat from; he won’t have to splay his legs or strain his neck. For a kitty, you may want to opt for a shallow but wide bowl. If you are feeding Fluffy on an elevated surface, perhaps to keep her food away from the dog, you may want to revisit arrangements.
This doesn’t just apply to dogs and cats. If you have a bird, pocket pet, or sugar glider, you may need to make their dinner setup a bit easier on them. Make sure their bowls are easy to get to, and on non-slip surfaces.
You may also want to ask your vet about supplements. Supplements help support the body’s various organs and functions. They are not one-size-fits-all, however. An arthritic pet may benefit from fish oil or glucosamine, while one with digestive issues may do better on a pumpkin or herbal supplement. Don’t give your pet anything without first checking with your Lane County, OR vet to ensure that it’s safe.
- Groom Your Senior Pet
Fido won’t be any more fond of baths than he was as a puppy, but he’ll still need them just as much as ever. With dogs, the ideal beauty regimen depends on the type and length of their fur. A husky may need to be brushed more than bathed, while a Boxer may only need minimal grooming. On the other end of the spectrum, several of our canine pals need pretty frequent baths. That list includes the Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, English Bulldog, and Shar-Pei. Nail trims are also important for Man’s Best Friend.
Senior cats also need some help here. Kitties are typically very good about grooming themselves, but this gets harder for them over time. They get stiff and sore, and have a hard time bending and stretching enough to groom themselves. Plus, their skin produces more oil, which can make their fur a bit greasy. You’ll need to brush your feline pal gently to get that dead fur out of her coat and help distribute the oils.
Be very gentle when grooming a senior pet! Older pets often get quite stiff and sore, which can make it uncomfortable for them to be groomed. Also, take care not to pull too hard. Older pets have very delicate skin, which can easily be ripped.
Rabbits, Guinea pigs, and other small pets may also benefit from gentle brushings. Just consult with your vet and get some specific advice.
- Know What Dental Care Is Needed For A Senior Pet
Just like people, pets often develop dental issues as they get older. Gum disease is very prevalent in both dogs and cats.
With dogs and cats, brushing the teeth is the best option. Of course, if Fido and Fluffy haven’t had this done before, you’ll need to take some time with training. You can also look into other dental-formula products, such as treats, chews, and rinses.
Pocket pets will also need plenty of chew toys. Many smaller animals, such as bunnies, are prone to dental issues due to overgrowth, and may need extra monitoring. Keep an eye out for warning signs, such as swelling, drooling, and bleeding gums. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything.
- Keep Your Senior Pet Active With Proper Exercise
Your pet will still need some form of activity as they age. Just be careful not to overdo it. For dogs, swimming can be a great option when it’s warm enough. The water will support your canine pal’s weight, giving him a great cardio workout without straining his bones and joints.
As for kitties, playing really is their main workout. Take a few minutes a day to play with your feline pal. Don’t worry about pushing your kitty too hard: if Fluffy gets tired, she’ll just stop playing and wander off in search of her next napping spot.
Many smaller pets, such as bunnies and Guinea pigs, can still enjoy running on exercise wheels and exploring tunnels and mazes. Get solid ones, as the wire ones can cause paw or tail injuries.
Pay attention to the flooring. Play with your pet in spots that have a soft surface, such as a carpet. This will prevent the risk of trips and falls. With dogs, you’ll need to be careful not to overexert Fido.
Of course, every pet is different. Ask your Eugene, OR vet for specific recommendations.
- Provide Your Senior Pet With Mental Stimulation
Did you know that older animals often suffer from cognitive decay, just as people do? Keeping your pet entertained won’t just keep them content: it’s also great for their mind! Toys and enrichment will keep your pet from becoming bored, and keep those wheels turning.
For entertainment, you want to pick things that provide stimulation but aren’t taxing physically. Fido may enjoy puzzle games, or learning new tricks, while Fluffy may like watching the action at a bird feeder in the yard. Your Eugene, OR vet will be happy to offer suggestions.
- Offer Your Older Pet Great TLC
Never underestimate the power of small comforts. Little things like comfy beds, night lights, and senior-friendly litterboxes really can make a difference.
Of course, there’s also the ‘love’ part of that TLC equation. Pay lots of attention to your furry retiree, and make sure they feel loved and safe. Purrs, tail wags, and cuddles from older animals are extra special in our book!
Contact Our Eugene, OR Animal Clinic
Do you have questions about your senior pet’s diet or care? Contact us, your Eugene, OR animal clinic, today! We are dedicated to offering great care.
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