As your pet gets older, their needs change as well. Senior pets require extra care and attention. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, horse, rodent, or another small animal, aging can bring about some issues. They may become less agile, less active, and could develop health problems. With the right nutrition, supplements, and regular check-ups at your vet, you can help them stay comfortable and age healthily. Want to know more about supporting your senior pet? You can read more on this page!
To best support your pet, it’s recommended to provide them with senior-specific food. These diets are specially formulated to meet the needs of older pets. They often contain fewer calories to help prevent weight gain and include additional nutrients like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for joint health. They also support a healthy immune system and are usually easier to digest.
Joint wear, also known as arthritis, is one of the most common problems in our aging pets. Especially in dogs and cats, we often see that movement is less smooth, they struggle to jump, or they are ‘stiff’ when getting out of their bed. Rabbits may also have trouble jumping or grooming themselves. In later stages, you might notice your dog or cat limping or losing their appetite. All these signals can indicate pain. It’s rare for your pet to whine or meow when experiencing pain due to wear and tear, so make sure to support your senior pet in time.
If you can’t go for long walks, you still want to keep your dog from getting bored. By doing more puzzle games, you can support your dog’s mental health. Hide some treats in a snuffle mat or do a fun puzzle together. There are also fun snuffle mats, activity boards, or snack balls for cats and rabbits to mentally challenge them.
Older animals often sleep much more than younger ones. Their bodies recover while they sleep, which is especially important for seniors. Ensure a soft, comfortable sleeping spot for your dog or cat, preferably in a warm and quiet place in the house. A soft orthopedic dog cushion or cat bed can help relieve pressure on the joints. This allows your senior to rest better and makes moving and getting up smoother. If your dog or cat loves to sleep on the couch or bed, there are also steps available to make this easier.
Even though movement might become more difficult as they age, it’s still important to keep moving. “Use it or lose it” applies to your pet too! Adjust the level of activity to your senior pet’s needs, opting for several short walks instead of one long walk to avoid overstraining your dog. Also, prevent your pet from gaining too much weight.
You can also make chewing easier for your senior pet if needed. Adjust the hardness of the chew to suit your dog’s teeth. If your dog finds it hard to chew or if you want to try something different, create a tasty Kong. Fill it with wet food, Kong Easy Treat, and/or kibble to keep your dog entertained. Try freezing the Kong for variety, so your dog enjoys it even longer!
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