Of course, in your eyes, your pet is still a puppy or a kitten. However, age is not kind on anybody, especially on our furry friends! And, this is the time to repay them for all the love and care they have been giving us over the last years. Just like ageing adults, ageing pets can suffer from a variety of conditions, from stomach problems to oral health issues, and joints and bones conditions. While these won’t stop your pooch or cat from having the best time in your home, it is crucial to adjust the level of care you are supplying them, so they can be comfortable at all times.
Keep Your Pet Active
With age, your pet might start to become lazier and sleep more hours during the day. That is completely normal, but exercise is crucial for overall health, and you should encourage your pet to get outside for a walk at least twice a day. Even a short walk counts! Through regular exercise, your dog can remain fit, healthy, and active. Moving for a few hours each day can help to keep a healthy weight and improve cardiovascular health.
Visit the Vet More Often
Older pets are more likely to deal with health conditions that can cause them pain or turn into chronic diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to visit the vet more often and find out what is affecting your pet as soon as possible, so you can start a medical treatment before any condition turns into something more severe. If you used to bring your younger dog or cat once a year or in the case of an emergency, your older pooch should undergo regular checks every few months.
Take Care of Your Pooch’s Teeth
Your ageing pet might start to develop oral health issues. Therefore, taking care of your dog’s teeth becomes essential. If you are unsure what to do, you should talk to your vet. However, generally, checking your pet’s teeth and brushing them on a regular basis are essential components of a proper oral health routine.
Switch to More Suitable Food
As your pets start to age, their stomachs might become more sensitive, and they might start to develop digestive and intestinal issues. In this case, it is crucial to switch from their current food to more suitable ingredients that can take better care of their digestive system. If you are not sure what foods would work best for your dog, click here to check some high-quality sensitive food options.
Spend Quality Time with Your Pet
The times when you travelled with your dog might have been over, but you can still be a great company for each other. Your ageing pet needs your company more than ever, and you should make sure to spend enough time with them. Considering having someone home to take care of your pet or investing in pet-sitting services for the time during which you have to be at work can help your dog or cat always have someone around.
Photo by James Barker on Unsplash. Collaborative post.
Great tips! It’s so important to adapt to your dogs needs as they get older.