A pet is like a best friend and a family member. We often manage to form that strong of a bond with a dog, a cat, or another kind of animal - our pets! They are always there for us, but they’ll usually reach their senior years before us. Their life span is shorter and thus health issues arrive faster for them at these later stages in life.
To check if your pet has reached its senior years, you can check the human year equivalent of your pet here. You can calculate your dog, cat, hamster, Guinea pig, horse and more. This calculator will give you a clearer picture on when and what kind of pet care they need.
And, like everyone else, we want our pets to live as long as possible. Fortunately, with modern medicine and scientific advancements, the life span of pets are increasing, but with that growth comes pets who are living a longer senior life than most people are used to. Fear not, though: to help you, here are 4 tips to help you take care of your senior pets.
1. Talk to your vet about the proper diet for your aging pet.
Changes are paramount when anything or anyone becomes older, and your pet’s dietary needs are not an exception. Perhaps they may need less calories now, or maybe an old-age illness has caught up to them and a special diet can help with it.
2. Walk your pet regularly.
Making sure that your pet gets enough exercise as he or she becomes older is very important. Like humans, being older means that your pet may not be as physically strong as he or she used to be, but exercise is still necessary and beneficial. Aside from additional time spent with you, it can help to keep your pet healthy by the stimulation and activity it provides.
Also look out for signs of arthritis! With symptoms of arthritis, you need to visit a veterinary clinic near you!
3. Watch for symptoms of age-related illness.
Being observant when it comes to symptoms allows us to spot diseases early and cure them before it is too late. Examples of behaviors you should take note of are:
- Any sudden inexplicable change in behavior
- Fear of loud sounds
- Less interest in recreational or play time
- Problems with movement
- Change in appetite and water intake
- Difficulty in keeping himself or herself clean
4. Schedule regular visits with a veterinary care provider.
Regular check-ups are necessary for aging pets. A veterinarian will be checking for age-related symptoms, as this can help identify and cure diseases early. Also, regular vet visits allow you to speak to your vet about any concerns regarding your aging pet, like dietary, immune system and exercise needs.
Managing your regular check-ups with a mobile vet such as Blue Door Veterinary Services is even better!
First of all, unlike with normal vet services, you do not have to personally travel to the clinic. Instead, the vet comes to you! Blue Door will ensure safety, comfort, and convenience for you and your pet. Second, the medicine and special food you need is already available in the truck or, if not, can be delivered to you as soon as possible. Third, Blue Door also is an expert in hospice care for aging pets.
Interested? If you are in Portland or nearby, contact 503-819-8040 or send an email to info@bluedoorvet.com.
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