Helping Senior Pets Thrive All Year Long

Helping Senior Pets Thrive All Year Long

        Senior pets hold a special place in our hearts with grey muzzles and those wise eyes that speak to a lifetime of experience.  Pets age much more quickly than we do—most pets are considered to be seniors at age seven.  But, just because they are aging, doesn’t mean they can’t continue to live healthy, active lives.  We may need to adjust how we care for them, and as veterinarians, we love collaborating with owners to find ways to keep older pets happy, healthy and comfortable in their golden years.

            One of the keys to keeping pets feeling their best is regular visits to the vet.  Since pets age faster than we do and changes to their health can be subtle, twice-yearly visits are highly recommended.  This way, your veterinarian can examine your pet for any changes like development of heart murmurs, weight loss or dental issues and can discuss any changes with how they are getting around or behavior changes that might signal the onset of cognitive dysfunction (dementia) or sensory changes like hearing loss or vision loss. Having regular screening tests done is also imperative to finding changes to our pets’ health early in the game.  Kidney disease, thyroid disease and other health concerns become more common as our pets age. Early intervention allows us to manage these diseases so our pets can continue to enjoy their best lives.

            Senior dogs and cats often experience mobility challenges due to osteoarthritis.  A variety of supplements such as glucosamine and fish oil and many medications can keep your pet feeling good even if he or she has arthritis.  But maintaining a healthy weight and keeping pets active and engaged is just as important to keeping them comfortable and moving well. Short walks or low impact activities like swimming are great for engaging body and mind.  If your pet still struggles to get around, make it easier by providing ramps or steps for your pet to use, providing non-slip surfaces on floors, and giving them plenty of soft, warm bedding for those old, creaky joints.

            Behavioral changes can indicate early onset of cognitive dysfunction.  Keeping to a routine to prevent anxiety and confusion, keeping pets engaged with light exercise and play--puzzle toys or snuffle mats are great!--and talking about any changes to your pet’s behavior or sleep patterns with your vet will help keep cognitive changes to a minimum.  Things like night lights, use of scent markers, and keeping clear paths through the house/not moving things around can make it easier for pets with sensory deficits maneuver their environment more easily.

            Aging is natural and there’s no doubt, senior pets need extra love and care. They may sleep a little more, walk a little slower and need a few more visits to the vet, but their love for us only grows stronger in time. Senior pets can continue to live happy, healthy lives with a bond that never fades, even in the golden years.

            This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital, serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.aspca.org/news/5-expert-tips-caring-senior-pets