Just as you can experience discomfort and health issues as you age, so can your animal companion. Because dogs and cats can’t tell owners how they feel, it’s important to be mindful when overseeing the needs of elderly pets. If you have a senior animal, here are some practical pet care tips to keep them healthy and comfortable through their golden years.

A Guide for Senior Pet Care

1. Maintain Healthy Weight 

Issues like joint pain can be exacerbated if your pet carries extra weight. To keep them within a healthy range, feed them a vet-recommended portion of food with fiber and omega-3 fatty acid. Also, limit their treats and use ones with glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid to lubricate their joints. When they’re comfortable enough to exercise, encourage activities like playtime and walks, modifying duration and intensity as needed.

2. Modify Their Environment

If you suspect your pet may be experiencing vision loss, try to remove any hazards around the home. Secure any cords and rug edges, and pad any sharp table corners. Make sure your pet’s feeding and water bowls are conveniently accessible and invest in an orthopedic pet bed if they seem to have aches and pains when they walk.

3. Watch for New Symptoms

It’s normal for your pet to begin slowing down as they age. Yet, new symptoms such as changes in appetites or bowel movements, urinary incontinence, and problems sitting or standing warrant attention from a veterinary expert. These or other unfamiliar symptoms could indicate health conditions requiring medical treatment. 

4. Groom Them Regularly

While dog owners may be used to grooming their pets, cat owners may have to adopt this responsibility as their feline ages. Both types of animals may have more difficulty reaching areas of their bodies that need grooming, so brush them weekly to prevent matted fur.

5. Visit the Vet Often

As your pet ages, your vet may recommend increasing the frequency of visits from yearly to every six months. Your vet will establish a baseline of your pet’s health by checking their vitals and physical characteristics. If they notice any issues, the doctor may recommend medications or lifestyle modifications to increase your animal’s quality of life.

As a caring team of pet care specialists, the veterinarian and staff from Animal Hospital of New Albany are committed to providing the best quality of treatment for animals of all ages. Serving Franklin County, OH, this practice offers a broad range of services to keep your senior pet healthy including dental care, arthritis pain management, and grooming. Learn more about their approach to care online, or call (614) 855-9643 to schedule an appointment.