Caring for an Aging Pet: Adjusting Exercise, Diet and Care
As dogs and cats enter their senior years, their needs change.
Adapting your care approach by providing veterinary supervision, an
age-appropriate diet, gentle exercise options and enriched home surroundings
can help improve your aging pet's health and vitality.
Table of Contents
·
Working with Your
Veterinarian
·
Tailored Nutrition for
Older Pets
·
Low Impact Exercise
Routines
·
Keeping the Mind and
Senses Engaged
·
Adjusting the Home
Environment
·
Frequently Asked
Questions
Working with Your
Veterinarian
Partnering with your vet provides crucial guidance on
age-specific care:
·
Have senior wellness
exams every six months
·
Discuss modifying diet,
exercise and other needs
·
Get prompt attention for
emerging health issues
·
Ask about supplements
that support aging
·
Create an end-of-life
care plan
Staying current on vet appointments helps maximize your senior
pet's healthspan.
Tailored Nutrition for
Older Pets
Adjusting your pet's diet can improve vitality. Consider:
·
High quality senior
formula dog or cat food
·
Omega fatty acid
supplements
·
Glucosamine/chondroitin
for joint health
·
Increased fiber to
improve digestion
·
More frequent smaller
meals
Work with your vet to meet your senior pet's unique nutritional
requirements.
Low Impact Exercise
Routines
Keep your aging pet active with appropriate exercise like:
·
Short 10-15 minute walks
·
Wading or swimming in
warm water
·
Range of motion stretches
and massage
·
Rolling treat balls
around inside
·
Going up/down ramps
rather than stairs
Avoid high impact activities that could injure stiff joints.
Warm ups and cool downs are key.
Keeping the Mind and
Senses Engaged
Maintain cognitive health through enrichment like:
·
Food puzzle games adapted
to abilities
·
New toys introduced
periodically
·
Sniff walks and outdoor
exploration
·
Brushing and grooming
provide touch stimulation
Providing comfort through soft bedding, night lights and
soothing music also helps.
Adjusting the Home
Environment
Make your home senior pet friendly by:
·
Installing pet stairs and
ramps
·
Using puppy training pads
if needed
·
Arranging food and water
close to resting areas
·
Placing night lights and
mats for traction
Adapt to emerging needs to keep your senior pet comfortable and
safe.
Frequently Asked
Questions
How
often should older pets see the vet?
Veterinary exams every six months are recommended to monitor
health in aging pets.
What
are signs that a pet needs a senior diet?
Difficulty maintaining weight, increased joint stiffness, dull
coat, and lack of energy may indicate nutritional needs are changing.
Is it
safe to walk a senior pet in hot weather?
Limit exercise to early morning or evening when temperatures are
cooler to avoid heat exhaustion.
What
supplements support senior pet cognitive function?
Omega-3s, antioxidants, medium chain triglyceride oils, and some
B vitamins may provide brain health benefits.
Conclusion
Adapting care techniques by providing veterinary guidance, an
age-appropriate diet, gentle exercise and enriched surroundings can extend your
senior pet's healthspan and improve quality of life. Support their changing
physical and cognitive needs to help them thrive into their golden years.
