Senior pets share a lot of commonalities with older humans. Older pets have less energy, require diet changes, have varying health issues, and are pretty different from those younger. Still, pets in general deserve our love and support no matter how old they get. As a result, it’s in your best interest to do what you can to take care of your pet.
Although every pet varies depending on their species, personality, and living situation, many share the unfortunate reality of aging. Below will highlight a few key points with older pets. We’ll discuss how you keep an older pet happy, how you entertain them, and much more. Let’s take a look!
How Do You Keep an Old Pet Happy?
Keeping an older pet happy is relatively similar to what you’d do with any pet. Feed them accordingly, play with them, give them attention, and treat them well. These simple factors will lead your pet to live a happy and whole life. As far as older pets are concerned, there are some points to consider with keeping them happy.
First and foremost, pay close attention to their health. As pets get older, their quality of life can quickly deteriorate depending on their health. Feeding them a healthy diet on top of regular exercise will ensure they have as healthy a life as possible. Dental care is also essential to be mindful of since many pets suffer from dental disease as they age.
How Do You Entertain an Older Pet?
Besides having a close eye on a pet’s health, entertaining an older pet is the primary focus. Pets can get bored very quickly, no matter how many toys they have in front of them. Getting them enough toys to play with while also giving them activities to do is the best thing you can do.
Entertaining them can include toys, taking them for walks, playing with them, giving them treats, and anything else you can think of. As long as it isn’t detrimental to their health, getting creative with the matter is a fun experience for both you and your pet. See what you can think of and try it out.
What Should You Do With Senior Pets?
Whenever someone adopts a pet, they tend to forget the pet will age just like them. They look at the pet and imagine they’ll be around the same age for their entire life. Still, this isn’t too big of a deal. People just need to be prepared to raise their pets adequately and be prepared for their older age.
As far as older pets are concerned, pet owners shouldn’t treat them too differently than they would a few years back. Obviously, don’t play with them to the point of exhaustion and be mindful of diet changes. Just understand that many older pets can get neglected, so try to give them their deserved attention.
- Check Your Pet’s Teeth
- Watch Your Pet’s Health
- Exercise Your Pet
- See the Vet More
- Pay Attention
Things to Be Mindful Of
Regular vet care for early health issues is critical as your pets get older and reach their golden years. Our veterinary care for senior pets helps ensure a better quality of life for them in their later years with diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Common examples of senior pet health issues include heart disease, hearing loss, dental disease, and cancer.
If you’re concerned about your aging furry family member, you can give us a call for any questions or bring your pet in for a routine checkup. There’s a lot more attached to older pets than most pet owners realize. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at a few key points to be aware of with older pets:
1. They Have Less Energy
The most significant issue people will find with older pets has to do with their energy levels. Just like humans, older pets aren’t as energetic as they once were. People need to be aware of what this means for their pet’s daily schedules. For example, a dog who used to run for miles may only be able to go a few blocks. Pet owners need to adjust to their pet’s current health.
2. They May Need a New Diet
Similar to energy levels and their overall physical health, some pets may need a new diet as they get older. Even if they’ve eaten the same thing their entire life, you may find your pet having a bad reaction to their food suddenly. Don’t worry; their vet should quickly point you to what food option is best for your pet.
3. Health Issues Will Come Up
The most obvious point with an aging pet is their overall health. Health issues will, unfortunately, arise. Having a reliable vet is one of the best ways to ensure your pet’s health remains as best as it can be. Proper diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle will also increase your pet’s lifespan and quality of life.
Want to Learn More About Senior Pets?
We hope this guide on senior pets gave you a detailed list of things to be mindful of. If interested in learning more about older pets, feel to reach out to us!
At Gateway Veterinary Centre, we’re a locally owned, full-service canine and feline animal hospital and vet clinic on Gateway Blvd in Edmonton, Alberta. You can learn more about our team and reach us seven days a week by giving us a call or text!
