Caring for Senior Pets

Pets bring us so much joy over the years. We get to see them change and grow from their puppyhood to golden years. Senior pets often face some challenges that require our attention and care. They frequently have more medical needs as they get older. We will talk about recommendations and things to look out for medically. We will also dive into ways to keep their minds active as they age. Caring for senior pets can be rewarding.

Stimulate their Mind

Just like humans, pets can experience cognitive changes as they age. There are different activities that you can integrate into your home to help keep their minds a bit sharper.

1. Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys that dispense treats can encourage problem-solving and keep your pet engaged.
2. Training Sessions: Try teaching your pet a new trick or reinforcing old ones. This can stimulate their brain. It is also positive interaction between you and your pet and may strengthen your bond.
3. Social Interaction: Regular playdates with other pets or visits to pet-friendly places like stores, breweries, restaurants, dog park, etc., can provide mental stimulation and reduce feelings of isolation. Getting into a routine like this can be a fun activity for both you and your pet.
4. Varied Walks: Change up your walking route. This helps expose your pet to new sights, sounds, and smells and also makes the walk a little more adventurous. This not only engages their senses but also provides physical exercise.
5. Scent Games: Hide treats around the house or yard and encourage your pet to find them. This taps into their natural instincts and keeps their brain active.

Medical Awareness

Regular veterinary visits are crucial for senior pets. Here are a few key reasons why:

1. Annual Check-ups: These visits allow for early detection of potential health issues. Senior pets should ideally be seen at least once a year, or more frequently if they have existing health conditions. We often times find concerns in senior pets such as dental disease, heart murmurs, ocular changes, or masses. It is important to get a full physical exam to be aware not only of what to expect, but there are often treatment options available that can help keep your pet comfortable and help extend their life.
2. Bloodwork and urinalysis: Routine blood work and urinalysis can reveal underlying health issues before they become serious. These tests help us monitor organ function (kidney, liver), blood sugar, red blood cell count, thyroid levels, and other important health markers. Blood work is recommended annually for senior pets.
3. Dental Health: Oral health is often overlooked but is critical for overall wellness. It is important for pets to receive dental care just as we do. During your pet’s exam we can discuss your pet’s teeth, grade their dental disease and come up with a plan. Dental disease can be extremely painful and can also lead to heart and kidney disease. Cornell has a great article about dental disease in pets and ways to prevent it and treat it.
4. Vaccinations: Keeping up with vaccinations is essential, even for senior pets. It’s still important to protect them against preventable diseases.
5. Weight Management: Obesity can exacerbate health issues in senior pets. Regular weight checks and dietary adjustments can help maintain a healthy weight. Overweight animals tend to have more arthritis issues and cats that are obese tend to be more prone to urinary issues and diabetes.

Comfortable Environment

Creating a comfortable and safe environment for your senior pet is important.

• Comfortable Bedding: Provide soft, supportive bedding to help relieve joint pain. There are numerous orthopedic bed options.
• Easy to Access Spaces: Make sure they can easily access their food, water, and favorite resting spots. This may mean building a ramp or stairs to get on and off of the bed or couch. Sometimes raised water and food bowls can help dogs with cervical pain.
• Safe Environment: Minimize hazards at home, such as slippery floors, high beds that they can jump down from or pools with easy access. It’s important to risk assess your house for your pets.

Conclusion

As your pets grow older, they need your love and attention more than ever. By providing cognitive stimulation and staying on top of their medical needs, you can help ensure their golden years are happy and healthy. At Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to helping you provide the best care for your beloved companions. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or to schedule their next visit. Together, we can keep your senior pets thriving!