Senior pets can be the best companions, but they require care and love. Pets are good when it comes to hiding their age. So, it’s your responsibility to keep an eye on the senior pets. Routine check-ups are necessary to know the changes in their body & immune system. Read this blog to recognize their signs of aging and how to take care of senior pets.
Know when your pet is aging
When your dog ages, you will see certain changes in their body, which are mentioned below-
- Changes in activity level
- Weight gain
- Digestion issues
- Mobility issues
- Deafness & Arthritis
- Kidney & prostate disease
- Cognitive disorders
- Dental & liver disease
- Vision issues
- Diabetes
- Changes in their skin
- Change in vision & hearing
- Change in behaviour
- Bad breath
How do you take care of pets to manage their age-related health issues?
- Regular exercise is necessary
Regular exercise is necessary to keep your pet mentally and physically fit in their aging. Give them daily opportunities to move, such as walking, running, and swimming. Exercise is helpful for improving muscle tone, overall flexibility, and well-being.
- Do activities to improve their mental stimulation
Along with physical exercise, mental stimulation is also necessary for older dogs. Engaging your pet with mental games helps to avoid cognitive decline and also keeps them mentally sharp. Give them interactive toys and let them socialize with other dogs.
- Schedule a visit to the clinic
Regular consultation with a veterinarian is also necessary for older pets. Monitor your pet’s health and detect the changes in their behavior and health. If you notice any changes like constipation, weakness, lumps, and other signs mentioned above, then talk with the experts. Furthermore, ask the vet about recommending the nutrition for your senior pet.
- Frequent brushing
Brushing your pet’s hair frequently prevents hair from getting matted. Mats can lead to skin infections and cause skin tumors. In addition, clip their toenails properly because long toenails may cause the dog to walk and stand abnormally.
- Schedule a wellness exam
A wellness exam for pets is necessary as they get older. You should take your pet for this at least once every six months. Through regular examination, you can check the state of your pet’s longevity and health. It helps to detect the illness and control the risks. Some common diagnostic tests are CHEM screen, Fecal test, Thyroid, blood pressure, CBC, etc.
- Monitor the weight of the pet
When a pet is aging, his/her weight may fluctuate. Fluctuation in age may be an early sign of disease. Obesity in pets increases the chances of arthritis and other diseases. So, weight management is necessary.
Making end-of-life decisions for your pet
When you have a pet, you need to be extra careful to offer additional care to it. If a pet is diagnosed with a chronic illness or any incurable disease, there are certain decisions you need to take to improve their quality of care. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when making decisions. Utilize the tools to detect whether your pet is in pain or not. Assess the quality of your pet’s life and reach out to friends and family for support.
Consulting with the veterinarian can help you better understand their requirements. A vet can give you the strength and control to make decisions for the well-being of your pet.