Your Senior Pet's Golden Years

You get that new puppy or kitten and are filled with joy as you watch it bounce from place to place with the most adorable antics. Then a few years in you get to enjoy the bond you have built. Several years later your pet starts to need more care than before. You worry about their quality of life maybe you worry about the vet bills or the work it takes to care for an aging animal. These years are so important for you and your pet. Their same spirit is still here loving you and needing you. We want to help families along as they navigate this difficult time. As much as we are blessed to be able to provide a sanctuary to the senior pets we know the best place is with you.

Here are a few tips to help out during this transition.

1. Stick to a Healthy Diet

It’s definitely tempting to start indulging your pet more in their old(er) age, but it’s actually more important than ever to keep their diet healthy and balanced. Too many calories at this stage in their life could lead to inflammation and weight gain, both of which can decrease your dog’s quality of life.

2. Monitor (and Mix Up) Your Dog’s Activity Levels

Just because your dog is a senior doesn’t mean that playtime and walks will come to a stop. It does, however, mean that they might need some more encouragement to stay active. Follow their lead when it comes to the length of activities and don’t force them to overdo it. You can also try out some new activities. Swimming, for example, is great for weight management and your dog’s joints.

3. Provide Special Accommodations

Older pets often develop arthritis or other bone and joint problems that affect their mobility. Furthermore, a blind pet will also have trouble jumping on the bed or sofa at night.

In these cases, your pet can benefit from soft bedding and an easily accessible bed that won't require jumping or climbing. Also, climbing up and down the stairs can prove to be difficult and your pet should avoid doing so. You can also place soft carpet to the steps to make it easier on them.