Pets are our best companions, but over time, they get old too. How to take care of our old friends is challenging. Their needs will change, and they may need extra attention and care to maintain their health and quality of life, which is our responsibility as masters.
When is our buddy defined as a geriatric or adult pet?
When it comes to our furry friends, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to when they’re considered seniors. It really depends on the animal’s species, breed, and size. For example, cats and smaller dogs typically enter their senior years around 7 years old, while larger dogs start earlier at 5-6 years old. But, of course, this can vary based on their health and genetics.
It’s not just age that determines if a pet is considered senior or mature – other factors like overall health, activity level, and pre-existing medical conditions also play a role. So, if your pet seems to be slowing down or experiencing changes in behavior, it’s worth getting them by veterinary checking.
What are some signs of aging to watch out for?
As our furry friends get older, we may notice certain changes in their behavior and health, and as masters, we need to be aware of these changes and take action when necessary.
One of the most common signs of aging in pets is a decrease in activity levels. Older pets may be less interested in playing or exercising. They may also experience changes in appetite, including decreased appetite and difficulty chewing and swallowing. Along with that comes weight changes, and it’s a good way to check our fur buddy’s weight frequently.
Sleep patterns also change as pets age, and they may sleep more or have more difficulty falling asleep than usual.
Mobility is the third kind of problem our old buddy might have. They may have trouble walking up and down stairs, jumping or running, and become sluggish. These behaviors can also trigger other emotional problems, for example, older pets may become more silent, irritable, or get lost easily.
Vision and hearing loss are also common in older pets, who become less receptive to commands from their owners or become overwhelmed.
The hair and skin problems of our furry friends are also the most prone to problems. Their hair and skin can become dry, thin, loose, or gray with age.
Finally, elimination habits also change as pets age. Elderly pets may have difficulty controlling their bladder or bowels, as they may experience the same problems as younger pets, such as voiding.
What care should I provide for my elderly pet?
Regular veterinary check-ups: older pets should receive regular veterinary check-ups at least once a year, and more frequently, such as six months or a quarter, if recommended, for some particularly elderly furry friends. This helps prevent and detect any health problems with them in a timely manner.
Proper Diet: Senior pets may require a special diet that is lower in calories, higher in protein, and easier to digest. Search ‘vet near me’ for advice on the best food for your senior pet’s specific needs.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation: While older pets may not be as active as they were when they were younger, they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Encourage our old buddies to do light exercises, like short walks or gentle play, and provide fun toys to keep their minds active.
Joint Supplements: Senior pets may experience joint pain and stiffness as they age, which can increase their risk of injury, though caution is needed when purchasing such products for them, and discuss with your veterinarian whether joint supplements are right for your pet.
Comfortable environment: It is also necessary to provide a comfortable and safe environment for your old buddy. This includes providing soft bedding and gentle ramps and steps to help them reach higher places safely and easily. Don’t forget to make the furniture they use have non-slip surfaces, no one wants to see our furry friends fall.
Emotional support: Companionship is one of the most important emotional supports that elderly pets need. They may become more dependent on their owners and need more comfort and companionship. How can we bear to leave them alone? So, we can increase the amount of time we spend with our old buddies, watch TV or go for walks with them, or schedule special playtime on a regular basis, our old buddies have been with us for a long time and they deserve it. We can also consider hiring a pet sitter or having family members and friends help care for older pets to make sure they get enough company when we’re not home. In addition, providing more interaction between elderly pets and owners is also a kind of emotional support. Playing with senior pets, teaching them new tricks or commands, or training them in simple mind games can help keep the old buddy alive and excited.
So now, maybe your old buddy just needs a good check-up of their health, just simply search for ‘veterinary near me’ or ‘Vet Clinic Sydney’ to find us, we are a professional team with more than 30 years of experience, and you can raise any concerns and have your pet undergo a thorough physical examination by our professional veterinarians.
