Caring for aging pets

An aging pet needs a different type of care than a younger one, some tips to make your animal more comfortable and happy.

By Jack Marinadi, Vet   Talk to the Author.

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Caring for aging pets

You have had your pet for many years, and they just don,t get around as much as they used to. Sleeping in the sun is more fun than chasing a ball most of the time. Don,t worry, as your pet ages they slow down, just as you do.

While your older pet may prefer to lay in the sun, only moving for food, water, and to chase the sun across the room, they still need excercise to keep thier joints moving. The main differences are the speed and quantity of excercise needed. Your pet will enjoy walks, if they are not too strenuous, and are shorter. Instead of taking your pet for a walk once a day, try three or four shorter walks.

Your pet may have more accidents, so make sure that they can go outside more often. As they age, the muscles become less able to hold, and accidents happen, sometimes without them realizing it. Scold them yes, but make sure that they have a place to go and a way to get thier when ever it is needed.

If you can insure that your pet's bed is free of drafts, and quiet, they will sleep better. Their achy bones will not be as troublesome. Check that the padding in their bed is soft, and has not become matted, it will help make them more comfortable.

When you feed your older pet, keep an eye on their weight. Excessive weight in an older dog is hard on them. You will need to make sure that they can still handle the same food, as lost teeth can make it hard for them to eat the same foods. Check with your vet about the best diet for your senior cat or dog.

When your pet is sleeping, be careful that they are aware that you are in the room. Since their hearing and sight may be getting dim, try not to startle them. A startled dog may snap or bite, as will a cat. So start calling them, or talking to them as you enter a room, make them aware you are near.

Older animals don,t always have the patience of younger animals, so be extremly careful when young children are near. While most children don,t mean to hurt animals, occasionally they will if they play too rough. You don,t want a child bitten because your pet is aggravated by the noise and activity of children.

Your vet is the best source of information on helping your older pet live comfortably. Talk to them and work to make your pet's life as full and rich as possible. They have been your best friend for many years, with a little bit of thought they can be your friend for many more.

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