It’s November, and that means it’s time to celebrate Senior Pet Month. As your cat or dog gets older, they’re bound to go through some changes, and that means you might have to adjust your routine to match their needs. Luckily, most of these adjustments are simple and easy to do, but they make a world of difference for your senior pet. Let’s explore some changes you can make to help your senior pet live a happier and healthier life.
Senior Pet Care At Home
As your pet gets older, they’re more likely to develop certain health issues or conditions that can make life around the house more difficult. For example, arthritis is extremely common in senior pets, and this can make it harder for your pet to constantly climb up and down stairs or walk long distances to reach their water bowls. You can make their transition easier by simply moving their bowls closer to their favorite resting spot and adding ramps where possible to ease the strain of climbing steps. You might also consider adjusting your daily walk routine–taking a few short walks throughout the day can be much easier on your dog than one long walk. It’s also a good idea to consider using ‘potty pads’ around the home–many senior pets will struggle with incontinence, and they might not be able to make it outside in time.
Senior Pet Health Concerns
Just like humans, many senior pets have higher risks of getting certain disorders or health problems. Early detection is key to treating many common health issues, so take your senior pet to the veterinarian regularly to watch for signs of:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Neurological conditions
- Kidney or liver disease
- Dental disease
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Lumps and bumps
If you have a senior pet, please get in touch with your veterinarian for more expert tips on senior pet care.
