Ways To Take Care Of Your Senior Pets

Our furry friends are so much more than mere house pets. They’re friends, housemates, and family for some. When you feel alone, a pet can create a more comfortable vibe in the house and make for a welcome presence to come home to after a long day’s work. Pets have a unique way of sensing your emotions and adapting their own to make you feel better. In fact, animals are so intuitive that some people can’t function properly without their service pets. They act as a much-needed aid when traversing life with disabilities and mental health issues.

Now that we have talked about their role in our lives, let’s address a very real eventuality; they are going to age faster than we expect. You may see the signs of age in your pets as early as 6-7 years. After a lifetime of service to us, it’s time that we recognize their needs and give them the attention they need. Read on to learn how to take care of your senior pets in the best way possible.

1. Supplements

Much like human beings, when your pet ages, they need medication and supplements to ensure a healthy life. Specially with dogs, you may notice that their joints may not be as functional as they once were. Cats often develop digestive issues as they age. Most animals develop some sort of sensation impairment or another as they get older as well.

Vitamins and minerals should always be given after consulting a vet. Moreover, CBD supplements are becoming common and have shown significant benefits in a range of pets. Vets are beginning to prescribe CBD pet products to thousands of owners with aging animals. The benefit of CBD products is that they are natural and pretty much tackle everything. Whether your animal has issues with its joints, sensitivity, digestion, or vitality, you can find a CBD supplement for all of the above-mentioned issues.

2. Get Them Moving, But Not Too Much

It’s always a great idea to get your animals active in some way or another. Your cat chasing a laser pointer is a much-needed exercise that works both their sensation, perception and, of course, acts as a workout. Walking your dog loosens their joints, gives them a change of scenery, and generally gets their blood pumping, much like it does for human beings. However, as they age, please ensure that you don’t overwork them. Let your animal set the pace, and when you see the signs of fatigue setting in, turn back and head home. Don’t overdo it; you never know when your animal may be in pain or simply unable to handle the physical task.

Not only does this create an aversion to activity in the animals, but it means that you will probably have to pick them up and walk them back home. That’s a task that’s easier said than done if you have a larger breed of dog.

3. Watch Their Diet 

As your pet’s age, their dietary needs change. Like we said earlier, they need more vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, other than that, you may want to watch what you give them as they can’t digest the same things that they could when they were younger.

For example, as your pet’s age, you may want to cut back on some of the protein; it takes it toll on the kidneys after a while, and kidney failure is extremely rare to recover from. Moreover, you may notice that certain foods give your pet a bad stomach. Pay attention to what they ate if they got sick, it could give you clues as to what they can and can’t digest. These animals are more sensitive than you realize. A meal that wasn’t well thought out could have dire consequences sometimes. Therefore it would be wise to consult a vet and plan your pet’s meals to the best of your ability.

4. Make Comfortable Spaces For Them 

Around the house, you may want to change a few things up and make them as comfortable as possible. Sometimes dogs are used to sleeping on the hard floor from a young age. However, as they age, you may want to make the place more comfortable and inviting for them.

As their joints begin to fail, it would be a good idea to put down padding and cushioning to make them comfortable. You may notice them tossing and turning in their sleep because they are most likely uncomfortable and possibly in a slight bit of pain. Pet beds, old blankets, and cushions can do wonders for your pet and ensure that they are as comfortable as possible. Moreover, a well-rested animal is likely to behave better and generally act more lovingly.

5. Frequent Vet Visits

It would be wise to desensitize your pet to the car. A trip to the vet once in a while is a must and should be part of your quarterly routine. In fact, if you can go more often, it will only do you more good than harm. Having your vet keep an eye on the animals is very important. They will tell you how to care for them in the best way possible and make their lives comfortable. Sure, it may cost you a bit to pay the doctor every time you visit, but just like with human beings, a frequent checkup as you age is extremely important. As they age, medical issues can surface faster than you may realize. Visiting the vet rules out potentially deadly illnesses and helps prolong their life.

This topic may have touched a sensitive spot for many pet owners, but we must address the realities of owning a pet. This article has touched upon subjects ranging from supplementation to exercise and creating a comfortable environment. Do what you can for your pets, give them the utmost comfort and make sure they are happy and cared for in every way. They may not speak our language, but the unspoken bond with our pets can leave a lasting impression on our lives. Enjoy your pets while you have them, cherish their presence and help them live out their golden years to the best of your ability.