Is your pet approaching—or perhaps already in—their golden years? Pets somehow seem to become cuter as they age. Many dogs and cats become quite loving as they grow older, wanting nothing more than to be caressed, petted, and adored. They also have an extremely charming temperament and spend most of their time napping and snuggling with their humans. Of course, pets, like people, require slightly different care as they become older. Continue reading for suggestions from a local Bel Air, MD veterinarian on elderly pet care.

Keep Your Older Pet Physically Active

Many senior animals are sleepy. Fido and Fluffy definitely spent a lot of time running and playing when they were younger! They must maintain their fitness and activity levels to stay healthy, just as people do! Walking dogs on a daily basis is typically the most effective exercise for our canine companions. Swimming can be enjoyable and beneficial for some dogs, though this is not general advice: it simply isn’t safe or appropriate for all dogs. Kitties may get their exercise by playing, which is also beneficial to dogs.

Our canine and feline pals are both quite playful, which is one of the reasons they are so entertaining. Fido and Fluffy will still have their playful moments as they get older, and they will continue to enjoy and profit from expressing their (respective) inner puppy and kitten. However, during playtime, you will need to consider your four-legged friend’s age and make a few adjustments.

Here are some ideas for playing with your cuddly retiree:

Always Pick Appropriate Toys: Older pets may prefer different playing activities than younger pets. Consider purchasing vividly colored toys. If Fido or Fluffy has trouble seeing or hearing, choose toys that light up or create noise. To keep things interesting, rotate these out on a regular basis.

Do Not Go Overboard: Older pets can tire quickly. They lack the vigor and stamina of more youthful animals. Make sure your pet does not overexert themself. If you notice your dog starting to feel tired, stop playtime. (You don’t have to worry too much about this with cats. Fluffy will just quit playing once she’s had enough.)

Avoid Overdoing It: While you don’t want to overwork a senior pet, you also don’t want to give up on providing them with opportunities to have fun. Pets really do benefit from both physical activity and cerebral stimulation! Fido and Fluffy may tire after a few minutes, but that’s fine. Even a few minutes each day will be good for them.

Get Some Personalized Advice: Senior pets are more delicate than younger animals, making them more susceptible to injuries, slips, and falls. They should also not be encouraged to engage in certain behaviors. For example, an elderly dog with hip dysplasia should not be encouraged to jump or stand, and a senior cat should not be asked to jump to high spots. Ask your vet for particular guidance on this.

Provide Mental Stimulation: Senior pets require less physical activity than younger pets, but they never outgrow the need for cerebral stimulation. Scavenger hunts, trick training, and puzzle toys are all great ways to test your dog’s thinking. As for kitties, pouncing on toys actually provides mental stimulation.

Make Sure The Play Area Is Safe. Always find a safe play location for your four-legged pal. Avoid slippery surfaces, steeply slanted hills, or ramps. It is also advisable to avoid spots near pools, stairs, fireplaces, and even running stoves.

Make It Fun For You Both: Our animal pals are always adorable when they feel playful, no matter what age they are. Enjoy these nice and charming moments with your animal pet! Our time with our dogs is far too short.

Conduct Breed-Specific Research

Some medical issues are simply more common among older pets than they are in young ones. Gum disease, hip dysplasia, arthritis, and eyesight and hearing loss are a few examples. However, your pet’s breed also has an impact here. Do some research to see if your four-legged friend is going to be at a higher risk of having any specific condition. While breed is more important in dogs than in cats, it can play a part in kitties’ physiology as well. If your furry pal is a mix, as many are, you might want to consider conducting a DNA test. (Plus, it’s always just fun to find out what’s in Fido and Fluffy’s family tree.) 

Keep Track Of Your Pet’s Food And Water Intake

Many of the health issues that we frequently encounter in older pets have an impact on Fido and Fluffy’s appetite, food and water consumption, urine output, and weight. These aren’t the only things to look out for, but they are frequently the first things that people notice. Keep track of what your pet eats and drinks, as well as their weight and physical condition. One way to monitor water intake is to fill bowls at the same time every day. 

Maintain Veterinary Care

Because older animals are more likely to suffer a variety of health problems, it is critical to check their condition. Increased frequency of visits will help Fido and Fluffy. This is especially true for pets with pre-existing medical conditions. Follow your veterinarian’s appointment schedule.

You should also keep an eye out for disease symptoms. These include the following:

• Vomiting
• Swelling
• Weak Appetite
• Urine Frequency Decreases.
• Lethargy
• Poor Breath
• Breathing Problems
• Cough
• Incontinence
• Disorientation
• Hearing And Visual Impairment.
• Losing Weight
• Obesity
• Aggression
• Difficulty Standing Or Sitting
• Heart Difficulties
• Increased Thirst
• Swelling In The Abdomen
• Anxiety
• Increased Appetite
• Unknown Lameness
• Altered Sleep Cycles
• Arthritis

If you detect any of these danger signals, call your Bel Air, MD vet straight away. Many problems can be addressed, however this is always more effective if done early on.

Concentrate On Keeping Your Pet Comfortable

As your pet grows older, you’ll want to shift your focus from entertaining them to keeping them comfortable. Small touches, like comfortable beds and nightlights, can make a big difference here. The specific steps you must take will differ based on the conditions your pet is experiencing. For example, if Fido has poor vision, you may need to lay down carpet runners to help him navigate his surroundings. A drinking fountain, as well as odor-eating stickers, would be beneficial. If your pet cannot hear, you may need to train him to approach a laser pointer or lamp. Make sure to ask your Bel Air, MD vet for particular recommendations.

Last but not least, make sure that your elderly pet feels loved, safe, and comfortable. Spend some additional time with your senior dog and let your cat cuddle up on your lap. After a lifetime of love, laughter, and friendship, your pet requires you now more than ever. You may discover that this special period in your pet’s life passes far too quickly, so enjoy it while you can.

Conclusion: As your dog or cat ages, their demands will change slightly. You should consult with your veterinarian for particular guidance on their diet and care needs. Aside from that, you should focus on keeping your pet comfortable rather than keeping them out of mischief.

Schedule An Appointment At Our Bel Air, MD Pet Clinic

Have any queries about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Bel Air, MD pet hospital, now! We are committed to providing exceptional treatment.