Aging is a normal part of life, but pets, unfortunately, age much more quickly than people. To help maintain your pet’s good quality of life as they age you will have to provide them with a special level of care to ensure they remain happy and healthy throughout their golden years. Subtle changes to your pet’s diet and exercise, veterinary care, and home environment can help them live a comfortable life. Our Williamsburg Animal Clinic team shares six simple ways to support your senior pet. 

#1: Upgrade your senior pet’s bed

Dogs spend half their life asleep and another 30% loafing. Cats sleep an impressive 15 to 20 hours per day. At least 30% to 50% of dogs and cats have degenerative joint disease (i.e., arthritis) during their lifetime. The quality of your pet’s bed can significantly impact their physical health and mobility. A bed made with memory or orthopedic foam provides a pet with joint support, thus improving your pet’s mobility. A heated bed or insert that eases joint and muscle pain is especially comforting for older, arthritic pets.

#2: Explore new places with your senior pet

While pets thrive on a consistent routine, every once in a while they enjoy a change of scenery. 

Exploring a new environment provides your senior pet with physical exercise as well as mental enrichment. Take a new route around the neighborhood, drive to a different location for your walk, or meet a friend and their dog at a new park for some off-leash fun. Let your pet sniff and explore the new territory at their own pace.

#3: Prevent your senior pet from packing on the pounds 

As your pet ages, their metabolism slows, along with their daily activity. Excess weight gain is common in senior pets and can lead to joint, metabolic, endocrine, and cardiovascular problems. To assess your pet’s weight, determine their body condition score (BCS). Your pet should have a visible waist tuck when you view them from above and from the side. You should also be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily by applying only light pressure. In addition to monitoring your pet’s BCS, regular at-home weigh-ins help you track their weight between veterinary visits and can help you identify weight gain that may not be visible. To help your pet maintain a healthy weight, follow these tips:

  • Measure your pet’s food — Calculate the correct number of calories your pet needs each day, then divide that amount into their regular diet’s number of daily meals. Rather than automatically filling your pet’s food dish when it’s empty, use an actual measuring cup to portion out each meal.
  • Provide daily exercise — Regular exercise helps manage your pet’s weight but also helps maintain or improve their mobility and joint function if they have arthritis or are at risk for developing the condition.
  • Reduce your pet’s treats —  Keep your pet’s treats to a minimum, no more than 10% of your dog’s or cat’s total diet, and include these calories when considering your pet’s daily caloric intake. Rather than giving your pet high-calorie treats that have little nutritional value, feed them steamed or raw vegetables such as ​​celery, carrots, green beans, and broccoli.

#4:  Keep your senior pet’s mind sharp

Never underestimate the importance of mental stimulation for senior pets because they can suffer from cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), a dementia disorder brain tissue changes cause. Although CDS is not preventable, you can potentially reduce or delay your pet’s cognitive decline by providing regular mental enrichment opportunities, including:

  • Puzzle feeders — Food puzzle toys make your pet use their brain to fill their belly. These feeders help build your pet’s problem-solving skills and entertain them.
  • Frozen treats — Make healthy frozen treats using yogurt, peanut butter, or pumpkin puree to keep your pet busy and engaged for a long time.
  • Obedience training — Teaching your pet new tricks and commands gives them a job to do that requires learning something new and is a great way to strengthen your pet-owner bond. 

#5: Senior-pet-proof your home

Make simple accommodations to your home to create an environment that can significantly enhance your pet’s comfort and safety. To adapt your home to your pet’s changing needs, follow these tips:

  • Skid-proof flooring — Older pets may struggle with slippery surfaces. Consider using nonslip rugs or mats in areas your dog or cat frequents.
  • Ramps and stairs — Use ramps for areas or furniture that your pet often accesses, especially beds and comfy couches. This helps pets who have joint pain or mobility issues. Pet stairs also can help your senior pet reach elevated places.
  • Elevated bowls — By raising your pet’s food and water bowls, you allow them to put less strain on their arthritic elbows.

#6: Prioritize your senior pet’s health

Regular preventive care is the best way to support your senior pet. Scheduling twice-yearly  wellness visits helps ensure you will enjoy many years together by providing your pet with lifelong health benefits, including early disease detection. Diseases are easier to treat and manage when they are diagnosed in the early stage. At your pet’s regular wellness screening, your veterinarian can identify disease long before your pet shows signs. 

Anticipate and adapt to your aging pet’s changing healthcare needs by ensuring they have twice-yearly wellness examinations and diagnostic blood work. Schedule your senior pet’s next appointment with our Williamsburg Animal Clinic, and let us improve the quality—and quantity—of your furry friend’s life.