If you’ve got a dog or cat over 8 years old, you’re in the minority!
In the United States, only 28% of dogs and 25% of cats would likely be classified as seniors. But, a pet’s still a pet no matter their age, and these older pets need a little bit more care and attention.
Not sure how to care for older pets? Keep on reading for our top five tips!
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Establish a Routine
As our pets age, it becomes increasingly important to establish and maintain a routine for them. This routine should include regular meals, exercise, and bathroom breaks.
Also, remember any medications or supplements they may be taking. By sticking to a schedule, we can help our furry friends feel comfortable and secure in their aging years.
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Keep Their Diet Healthy
Older pets need a little bit more care than when they were younger. One important aspect of this is their diet.
You’ll want to make sure that their diet is healthy. It should include all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active. This may require some research on your part to find the best food for your pet’s needs.
You may also need to supplement their diet with vitamins or other nutrients. Older pets may also need more frequent meals or snacks throughout the day to keep their energy up. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s dietary needs and how to best care for them as they age.
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Don’t Forget Their Mental Stimulation
One important way to keep your older pet healthy is to offer them mental stimulation. Just like people, animals can suffer from depression and anxiety as they age. Make sure to give your furry friend plenty of attention and love.
Take them for walks, play with them, and provide them with age-appropriate toys. A little bit of mental stimulation can go a long way for your older pet’s quality of life.
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Keep Their Muscles Strong
As pets age, they can start to experience muscle loss and reduced mobility. To keep their muscles strong, older pets should have regular exercise.
Old pets may not be able to exercise as much as they used to, so it’s important to find ways to keep them active. This can include things like going for short walks, playing catch, or even swimming.
You may need to adjust the amount and intensity of exercise based on your pet’s age and health. Massage can also help to keep their muscles loose and relaxed.
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Regular Vet Check-Ups
Taking care of old pets and giving them the best quality of life possible as they age is so important. One way to do this is to ensure they are getting regular vet checkups.
As animals age, they are more susceptible to age-related illnesses and conditions. If your older pet becomes sick, you may want to consider in-home dog euthanasia.
This can be a difficult decision to make, but it may be the best thing for your pet. If you are considering in home dog euthanasia, speak to your vet about your options and what is best for your pet.
Some Extra Love for Older Pets
Even though our furry friends age, there are ways to help them feel young again. By following these tips, you can help older pets feel comfortable and loved for many years to come.
If you want more tips and advice for taking care of various pets, keep scrolling through our blog! We have lots of articles on taking care of, owning, training, and everything in between.
