Caring for Your Senior Pets Tips

Is your pet over the age of 7? If so, they may be considered senior. Here are few adjustments aging pet parents commonly consider.

Tip # 1

Around seven years of age, they should start visiting the veterinarian at least twice a year to ensure that they are being frequently assessed for any changes to their physical state. Many older pets experience the effects of aging such as arthritis/arthrosis, hip dysplasia, weight fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, and more.

Tip # 2

Strongly consider transitioning to a "senior" diet containing the increase in nutrients they need. Additionally, providing any supplements to promote your senior's optimal physical health can compensate for missing nutrients in their diet.

When our pets are puppies we give them softer food with the nutrients they need for their developing bodies, and then when they are considered adults, we switch them to an adult diet. This adult diet carries them for several years until, whelp, they are considered senior pets. This change in age, indicates another time to change diet., giving senior pets the nutrients that they aren’t absorbing as well or are missing, but need more than they did before.

Tip # 3

Roughly ~60% of dogs and cats are considered overweight in the United States. Obesity (especially in older pets) is a leading cause for cancer, kidney and heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and specifically arthritis. Weight can also strain pet's joints, muscles and bones, increasing risk of injury. Maintaining mobility through appropriate exercise helps keep them healthier and more independent! 

Tip # 4

Many times, due to age, surgery is not the best option for treating mobility issues in senior pets, so finding alternatives is necessary. Incorporating a bracing device to keep them moving can be used in place of surgical procedures, or for support while deciding on when a procedure can be done.