Your pet is your closest companion, your long-time furry friend. However, all pet owners will eventually face the moment when they realize their fur baby is getting up in years. Your veterinarian might suggest you switch to senior pet food, or you might just snuggle your pup and realize their face has gone grey. Whatever prompts your realization, you’ll recognize a new task is at hand: Helping your aging pet live as happily as they can for as long as possible.
1. Keep them happy and comfortable.
From the first moment we become pet parents, we prioritize our furry friends’ well-being. As your pet gets older, though, it’s all the more crucial that you tailor their environment to them. Perhaps, for example, Fido loves lying in the bright light of the sunshine each afternoon, sprawling out amongst your garden’s blooms.
Nowadays, though, he’s struggling to make his way across the yard and rest, let alone back up later on. So you might consider adding some houseplants inside, bringing a cozy dog bed into the afternoon’s most direct sunlight so he can lounge safely inside.
If you already have some popular houseplants, be sure to make sure they’re non-toxic. In some cases, you might have had toxic plants kept out of your pet’s reach for years. But, if you’re creating a sanctuary for your fur baby, you’ll want to use only pet-safe plants like spider plants, African violets, or Boston ferns. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that you keep your furry friend safe, happy, and comfy.
2. Take preventive action.
Whether you’re talking to your vet or consulting resources from the ASPCA, you’ll find that various preventive measures are recommended for a senior pet’s health and longevity. For instance, the experts at West Park animal hospital phoenix az , a group of animal lovers and experts in senior pet care in Cleveland, OH, recommend regular physicals, tests, vaccinations, and nutritional counseling as critical to your senior pet’s health.
Whether your pet needs a particular medication or a simple well visit, talk to your veterinarian about what can help prevent health crises later on. By taking some time to do some research or consult an expert, you’ll become a better caregiver for your senior cat or dog. Better yet, preventive veterinary care can give you the peace of mind of knowing you’re doing all you can to give your pet the most extended, healthiest life possible.
3. Make adjustments as needed.
From dog walking to the cat’s litterbox, nearly every aspect of your pet’s health and life more generally may need adjustments as they grow older. For example, one routine might have worked for your pup for the past fifteen years, but they now need a different way to get through the same moments of their day. Likewise, a particular place might have been perfect for your cats’ box before, but your feline seniors need a more central location.
Even after you’ve made the necessary changes to accommodate your pet as they age, you might find you need yet another adjustment soon after. Unfortunately, these moments are going to happen—as a pet owner, your job is to make these changes and help your fur baby every step of the way.
As they age, even the most low-maintenance pet will need a bit more effort and attention. So whether it’s adding indoor plants to bring their favorite outdoor spot to them or upgrading your pet care routines to accommodate the ever-changing needs of aging, you can help your pet’s senior years to be as healthy and happy as they possibly can be. Just as importantly, you’ll ensure they’re getting the most years out of that content, robust life.
