Dogs and cats live longer than ever due to advances in veterinary medicine, and as they age, they require more attention and care. Keep in mind that getting older isn’t a disease. Although older pets might have issues due to aging, you can help your pet by leading a healthy and active lifestyle by taking good care of their physical and mental needs. Here are some essential health tips for senior pet care that can ensure you keep your animal companion happy.

Increase Your Senior Pet’s Scheduled Vet Visits

Senior pets must visit their geriatric vet at least twice yearly for a thorough physical examination to identify and treat any health issues. Regular visits also enable veterinarians to detect common illnesses in elderly pets, such as dental disease, arthritis, and kidney failure, that affect these pets more frequently than young ones.

Support Your Senior Pet’s Diet

As senior pets age, their activity levels diminish, and weight can accumulate quickly. Being overweight increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease; to protect your senior pet’s well-being, ensure they exercise regularly and consume healthy meals. Consult your veterinarian to get recommendations for a diet specifically tailored to your senior pet’s nutritional needs.

Monitor Dental Health

Dental hygiene problems can lead to severe pain in elderly pets. You can maintain their oral health by regularly brushing, giving them dental chews or toys, and contacting your vet for professional cleanings to eliminate tartar buildup and help prevent gum disease. Remember, pet dental care is important for their general health and should never be taken for granted.

Provide Appropriate Exercise

Regular exercise for elderly pets is essential to their health and mobility. However, you need to tailor both duration and intensity to the specific requirements of each senior pet. Engaging them in mild activities like short walks, swimming lessons, or playing fetch can keep their joints moving without putting too much strain on them. 

Make Adjustments for Mobility Issues

Mobility issues and arthritis are growing problems for seniors’ pets. You can aid by making adjustments within your home to offer comfortable beds with easy access to water and food bowls at suitable heights and using ramps or steps to walk up and down stairs securely or ramping stairs for those who face obstacles. Visit this page to find out how an internal medicine veterinarian can aid in the mobility problems of your geriatric pet.

Keep Your Senior Pet’s Memory Sharp

Senior pets require mental stimulation to prevent cognitive decline and remain sharp and alert. It is possible to provide this stimulation through puzzle toys, exercises for training, or interactive games, or simply spend time playing and cuddling them frequently so that their brains stay engaged.

Introduce Supplements

Certain supplements can help improve the overall health of an elderly pet and well-being. Omega-3 fatty acids are recognized to aid joint problems by reducing inflammation. Glucosamine and chondroitin can help improve joint mobility and overall joint health; your veterinarian can recommend which supplements would be the best for their lifestyle and conditions.

Conclusion

Senior pets require special care and attention to ensure they are happy and healthy throughout their lives. Regular vet visits, a nutritious diet, appropriate exercise, and physical stimulation should all be part of senior pet treatment. If you follow the guidelines here, you can ensure that your pet companion enjoys every moment of their golden years to the fullest.