You’ve provided your pet with love and care throughout their life, and when they enter their golden years, they need your support more than ever. As pets age, their mental and physical needs change. Our team at Bayview Animal Hospital shares tips to help you maintain a good quality of life for your special senior pet.

Regular senior wellness visits are essential

As pets age, they become more susceptible to a variety of health conditions, including:

  • Cancer 
  • Kidney disease 
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Cognitive dysfunction 

Regular veterinary visits become increasingly important during these years. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends senior pet wellness visits every six months. These wellness checkups can help prevent common age-related diseases and enable your veterinarian to detect health issues at an early and easily treatable stage.

Dietary adjustments support senior pets’ nutritional needs

As with humans, pets’ nutritional needs change with age. Senior pets generally need fewer calories, more fiber, and nutrients to support joint health. Commercial senior foods, which often include antioxidants for brain health and joint supplements, along with a balanced fat, carbohydrate, and protein ratio appropriate for older pets, can be a great option. Speak with our veterinary team before changing your pet’s diet, and refrain from adding any supplements without veterinary guidance. 

Senior pets should keep moving with appropriate exercise 

While your senior pet might not have the same energy level as they did when they were younger, they still will benefit from daily exercise. Adequate daily exercise can help your senior pet maintain a healthy weight, slow degenerative joint disease, and provide mental stimulation. Gentle, low-impact exercises, such as walking, light hiking, and swimming are great options for most senior pets. To ensure you avoid overworking your senior pet’s weak muscles or arthritic joints, ask your veterinarian to recommend appropriate exercises.

Modifications can improve senior pets’ comfort and mobility

As your pet ages, you may need to make changes in your home to accommodate their changing abilities. Decreased mobility can make navigating your home more difficult for your senior pet, but you can make their life much easier with the following modifications:

  • Elevated bowls — An elevated bowl places less strain on your pet’s neck, hips, shoulders, and joints. 
  • Stairs and ramps — Jumping can be hard on your senior pet’s joints, and you may need to invest in pet stairs to help them get up on the bed or couch. For the car, a foldable ramp can help your senior pet get in and out more easily. 
  • Nightlight – As your pet ages, their vision may decline. Place nightlights around your home to help them navigate in the dark.
  • Orthopedic bed — An orthopedic bed can support your pet’s joints and provide relief from age-related discomfort. A new bed also can improve the quality of your pet’s sleep and overall health.

Dental care protects senior pets’ oral health

Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed medical issue in pets and can lead to significant pain and decreased quality of life. Good oral hygiene is critical for your pet’s overall health, and daily toothbrushing is the best way to keep their mouth clean. In addition to daily toothbrushing, you can help preserve your pet’s oral health with:

  • Dental chews
  • Dental treats
  • Water or food additives
  • Oral rinses, wipes, and sprays
  • Prescription dental diets

In addition to daily brushing, regular professional dental cleanings are critical to stopping dental disease from progressing and causing painful problems. If your senior pet has bad breath or tartar accumulation, dental pain may be affecting their quality of life.

Cognitive health matters for senior pets

Older pets can suffer from cognitive decline similar to dementia in humans. Signs of cognitive dysfunction include disorientation, increased isolation, disrupted sleep, accidents, and changes in energy levels. Mental stimulation is the best way to help keep your pet’s mind sharp as they age. To stimulate your senior pet’s mind, introduce these activities to their routine:

  • Use food or treat puzzles, or hide food throughout your home for your pet to find. 
  • Switch up your regular walking route by exploring new neighborhoods.
  • Teach your pet a new trick or command. 
  • Provide interactive toys to encourage physical activity and mental stimulation.

Caring for a senior pet is a journey of love, patience, and understanding, and our team is here to support you and your pet along the way. Contact our Bayview Animal Hospital to schedule your senior pet’s next wellness exam to ensure they receive the high-quality veterinary care they need to get the most out of their golden years.