Pets approaching the final quarter of their expected lifespan are considered seniors, and these aging companions require specialized care. Older pets often face various challenges, including health problems, reduced mobility, or cognitive decline, but proactive and consistent senior pet care can reduce their impact and help ease transitions. The Nebraska Pet Hospice team shares essential tips for maintaining your senior pet’s quality of life and extending their healthy years.
1. Schedule regular senior pet veterinary visits
Frequent veterinary visits are crucial for senior pet care. Dogs and cats age faster than people and can develop health problems quickly, sometimes without obvious signs. Arthritis, dental disease, hormonal disorders, kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart problems, and cancer are common in aging pets. Twice-yearly veterinary visits and routine diagnostic screening tests can help your primary veterinary team detect and address health issues in their early stages, when they are most responsive to treatment. Plus, routine visits ensure your furry pal stays current on vaccinations and parasite control appropriate for their lifestyle.
2. Feed high-quality nutrition and maintain your senior pet’s weight
A senior pet’s nutritional needs differ significantly from their younger counterparts. Less activity and altered metabolic and digestive processes often decrease caloric needs and shift ideal macronutrient ratios. Extra weight can reduce your pet’s lifespan, so caloric balance matters. Many seniors also benefit from diets high in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation, fiber to manage weight and digestive health, protein to prevent muscle wasting, and antioxidants to slow degenerative processes. Consult our team or your primary veterinarian to discuss the best diet for your senior pet.
3. Exercise and mentally stimulate your senior pet
Senior pet care should include regular exercise to maintain muscle mass, joint flexibility, cardiovascular health, and a lean, healthy weight. High-impact or lengthy exercise sessions can be too hard on an aging body, so take your pet for short, frequent walks, swim sessions, or low-impact play sessions on a soft surface with adequate traction instead. Mental exercise is also imperative for slowing or preventing the onset of cognitive decline, but puzzle toys, interactive games, training sessions, and frequent outings can help keep your pet’s mind sharp.
4. Ensure your senior pet’s environment is comfortable
Stairs, slippery floors, and furniture can be challenging for senior pets with decreased mobility. Simple adjustments around the house can ensure your pet has easy, safe access to their favorite areas and necessary resources, including food, water, resting places, and elimination locations. Consider strategically providing ramps, pet stairs, non-slip rugs, and orthopedic beds to help your furry pal navigate.
5. Prioritize your senior pet’s dental health
Dental health is an often overlooked, yet vital, aspect of senior pet care. Dental disease is undeniably painful and reduces quality of life. Additionally, oral pain can contribute to weight loss that often accompanies advanced disease states and oral bacteria can threaten your pet’s systemic health. Your veterinarian’s regular professional dental cleanings and at-home daily toothbrushing can drastically improve your senior pet’s well-being. Dental cleanings require anesthesia, but most seniors can safely undergo the procedure.
6. Monitor senior pets for behavior changes
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is similar to dementia in humans, and studies show characteristic changes in affected pets’ brains. Signs may include disorientation, sleep disruption, altered social interactions, training regression, or house soiling, although these changes can also result from other health issues. Schedule a veterinary visit if you notice behavioral changes in your older pet.
7. Consider hospice care for senior pets
Hospice and palliative care are compassionate options for senior pets nearing the end of their lives with conditions that treatments are unlikely to improve or cure. Hospice senior pet care aims to provide comfort and maintain the highest possible quality of life with non-invasive interventions, including pain management, mobility assistance, and fluid and nutritional support. Because each pet is different, hospice care is customized to your situation, preferences, and needs.
Your pet deserves to enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Comprehensive and proactive care can extend your senior pet’s healthy years and promise a longer, fulfilling life together. For senior pets suffering from pain or terminal illness, the Nebraska Pet Hospice team can assist in quality-of-life assessment, provide palliative care, and discuss end-of-life care options to give you confidence in your decisions. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an in-home visit.