Caring For Your Senior Pet – No Place Like Home

Taking care of a senior pet requires some extra effort and attention, but it can greatly improve their quality of life. It’s important to take your senior pet to the veterinarian for bi-annual check-ups. Dogs and cats over the age of 8 are considered senior pets. Since Giant breed dogs have a shorter life span, they are considered seniors at the age of 5 years old.
Older pets may develop health issues that need to be addressed, and your veterinarian can recommend appropriate treatment.  Bi-annual blood work is important because early detection offers the best chance of extending your pets life.  As pets age, their nutritional needs may change. At your bi-annual checkup with your veterinarian, they may recommend a senior-specific diet or supplements to help manage any health issues. Even though senior pets may not be as active as they once were, they still need regular exercise to keep their muscles and joints healthy. Some arthritic animals can benefit from pain medication to help keep them active. Furthermore, dental problems can be a common issue in senior pets. Brush your pet’s teeth regularly and provide dental treats and toys to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. 
If your senior dog has mobility issues using a dog sling or a towel can help. Dog slings are designed to help make walking, climbing stairs, going to the bathroom, or getting into the car easier for your senior dog.  If you have a senior pet, making small adjustments to your home and their environment can have a big impact.  Consider putting down more carpeting around your home so that your senior dog will have an easier time getting up and will be less likely to slip on hardwood or tile floors. Dog paw pads with rubberized, non-slip soles can also help provide traction for senior dogs. Dog and cat ramps are a wonderful way to help your pet get into cars, up and down stairs, onto furniture and using the litter box. 
Additionally, elevating your pets bowl for their food and water will help eliminate excess strain on your pets head and neck. Consider increasing the number of water bowls around the home if the pet has trouble remembering where any a single bowl may be located. A nightlight by the food and water can help, too. Senior pets may become more anxious or have difficulty adjusting to changes. Show them extra love and attention and keep their routines consistent to help ease any anxiety or stress. 
For more information on how to care for your senior please contact No Place Like Home. Call or text 818-400-1986 or email info@noplacelikehome.vet.