7 Top Tips on How to Care For Your Senior Pets

As your furry friend gets older, they will need extra special care to live out their final years in comfort and good health. Their medical and lifestyle requirements will change, and you will need to make adjustments to keep them happy and healthy in their golden years. Caring for them can become more complicated and you may struggle with new challenges such as reduced mobility and poor eyesight. This article will help explain these old age changes, how to navigate them, and how to help make caring for your aging pet a rewarding experience. By being aware of the needs of seniors, you can make the best decisions for your elderly pet.  

Signs that your pet is getting old 

You might notice your pet slowing down as they age, with less energy and more naps. Their fur can become grey, and they might not see and hear as well as they used to. They may struggle with situations they previously managed with ease. There can also be medical changes that are more difficult to detect, so our senior pets often need more frequent vet visits to make sure they are okay. 

Slowing down and reduced mobility 

You might notice your ageing pet is having difficulty with stairs, getting up after a snooze, or even moves less than usual. These mobility issues are often caused by arthritis and other degenerative changes. Signs to watch out for include: 

• Limping 
• Reduced activity 
• Abnormal posture 
• Difficulty grooming 
• Changes in temperament 
• Muscle wastage 

Cloudy eyes or reduced vision in your pet 

Eye cloudiness is commonly caused by nuclear sclerosis (or thickening of the lens) in senior pets. This is a common change that comes on gradually and affects your pet’s ability to focus. If your pet has a sudden loss of vision, this could be a sign of more significant eye disease such as cataracts. Visit your vet to have your senior pet’s eyes assessed.  If you are concerned your pet has poor vision, try not to move their food and water bowls or other objects around the house.  

New lumps and bumps on your pet 

Some pets are prone to developing lumps as they age. This can include external lumps and ones underneath the skin. While these lumps can be harmless, any new lump should be checked by a vet to assess its significance.  It is impossible to know how serious a lump is, so you know exactly how to proceed with veterinary recommendations. 

Changes in weight for your pet 

Many pets will gain weight as they age, especially if they have reduced exercise and mobility. There are senior diets available with appropriate nutrition for an older pet that can help prevent obesity such as weight management diets. If you are concerned your pet is gaining or losing weight, you should take them to a vet to check if this is caused by any underlining conditions and they will be able to find the correct treatment plan for your pet. 

Changes in toileting in your senior pet 

Pets can become incontinent as they age, but there are other common causes for accidents inside the house. If your pet is having accidents, they might have a disease that causes increased urine production such as kidney disease or diabetes. Accidents inside the house can also be due to reduced mobility due to your pet unable to make it in time. If you notice your pet is having accidents with toileting, you should take them to see the vet and they will be able to help you.   

Behavioural and cognitive signs of ageing in senior pets 

Aside from physical changes associated with ageing, you might notice behavioural changes and reduced mental function. Sleeping more than usual can be normal in older pets. Changes in behaviour such as grumpiness might occur if your pet is experiencing discomfort associated with arthritis. Elderly pets can suffer from cognitive dysfunction.  Signs include: 

• Confusion 
• Anxiety 
• Disorientation 
• Increased vocalisation 
• Loss of toilet training 
• Not seeming their normal selves 
  

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7 Top Tips on How to Care For Your Senior Pets

1. Regular vet visits 

As your pet ages, they are more likely to have age related diseases. Regular check ups can help detect any changes early on. Screening for diseases that cannot be detected on physical examination with blood and urine tests will allow for early treatment of old age diseases and conditions.  

2. Nutrition for senior pets 

The nutritional needs of your senior pet will change. Diets have been specially developed for geriatric pets to keep them healthy and to address common age-related issues that can be treated with improved nutrition.  

3. Exercise for senior pets 

Even though your older pet may be less active, they still need exercise. This can involve shorter periods of more gentle exercise to keep your pet active without overexerting them. 

4. Comfortable bedding for senior pets 

Older pets will struggle with beds they have to climb in and out of. Consider easy to access bedding that is comfortable and provides support for their joints. Older pets should sleep in a warm, protected environment.  

5. Mobility assistance for senior pets 

Your elderly pet might need ramps to move around, especially if they are struggling with stairs. This can make it easier to keep up their normal routine. Many older pets struggle with slippery floors such as tiles or floorboards. A rug or square of carpet placed where your pet commonly rests can be useful to help them get up without their legs sliding out from under them.  

6. Grooming for senior pets 

It is important to keep the coat of older pets clean and tangle-free. You might need to spend more time on grooming if your pet is uncomfortable or less mobile. They might need to be bathed more regularly, especially if they have any issues with toileting. 

7. Mental stimulation for senior pets

Older pets may not enjoy playing like they used to. Encourage them to maintain mental function by playing and interacting with them. You might need to change the way you play with them especially if they are less mobile. This might mean rolling the ball instead of throwing it when playing fetch.  

Taking care of an elderly pet means making changes and adjustments to your normal lifestyle and routine. Caring for your aged pet is just as rewarding as caring for a younger pet, and extra special care will help you maintain your established bond.  By making changes and providing extra attention you can give your pet a happy, healthy and comfortable journey into their twilight years. 

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