Pets’ energy levels, medical needs, mobility, and cognitive functioning can change with age. While your four-legged friend will inevitably grow older, you can help keep them comfortable, healthy, and happy throughout their golden years by making simple adjustments. To help ensure your senior pet’s later years are truly golden, follow our Stanton Pet Hospital team’s six tips. 

#1: Adjust your senior pet’s diet and nutrition

During each of your pet’s life stages, they have different nutritional requirements. Adjusting your senior pet’s diet and adding supplements can support their health and comfort. Before changing your pet’s diet, however, consult our team, and we will recommend a senior diet and supplement regimen specially formulated for your pet’s individual requirements. To fulfill your senior pet’s nutritional needs, follow these tips:

  • Switch to foods intended for seniors — Senior-specific food takes into account your aging pet’s slower metabolism, reduced activity level, and digestive health needs. Most senior pet foods also include age-related nutrients to support joint health. 
  • Consider supplements — Supplements can support your senior pet’s joint and cognitive function, helping to keep them mentally sharp and comfortable as they age. To help support your pet’s mobility and brain, consider giving them these supplements:
    • Joint supplements — As a pet ages, joint wear and tear can lead to degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis. Pet joint supplements that include methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glucosamine, and chondroitin can improve joint function and slow DJD progression.
    • Cognitive supplements — Supplements, such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, phosphatidylserine, apoaequorin, and S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), can help slow cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) progression. CDS affects many senior pets and is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people. 

#2: Stay on top of your senior pet’s health

Senior pets are susceptible to many age-related health conditions such as arthritis, cancer, cataracts, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and obesity. Fortunately, during your pet’s regular wellness visits, our Stanton Pet Hospital team can detect disease in its earliest stages and provide an improved prognosis. To help preserve your senior pet’s health and quality of life, they should have a physical exam, including routine blood work and screening tests, at least twice per year.

#3: Maintain your senior pet’s oral health

Dental care is crucial for pets of all ages, and neglecting your senior pet’s dental health can lead to serious consequences beyond bad breath. Your senior pet should continue to receive regular professional veterinary dental cleanings, and you should brush their teeth daily.  Use a finger brush and pet-friendly toothpaste when brushing your pet’s teeth, and speak with our team if your pet displays these oral disease signs:

  • Bad breath
  • Excessive drooling
  • Gum inflammation
  • Loose teeth

#4: Help your senior pet stay active 

Senior pets need regular exercise to maintain muscle mass, flexibility, strong joints, and a healthy body condition, but you may need to decrease their activities’ intensity and duration. To keep your pet’s waistline trim and their joints healthy, choose low-impact exercises that are appropriate for their age and physical condition. 

#5: Make modifications to help your senior pet remain comfortable at home 

Making adjustments around the home can significantly enhance your senior pet’s comfort and safety. To adapt your home to your pet’s changing needs, follow these tips:

  • Include stairs and ramps — Jumping can be hard on your senior pet’s joints, and pet stairs will help them access the bed or couch. For the car, your senior pet will get in and out more easily using a foldable ramp. 
  • Provide an orthopedic bed — Your pet spends much of their day sleeping, so a high-quality, comfortable bed is essential. An orthopedic bed or insert that eases joint and muscle pain is especially comforting for older, arthritic pets. 
  • Place skid-proof flooring — Older pets may struggle with slippery surfaces. Consider using nonslip rugs or mats in areas they frequent.
  • Elevate bowls — By serving your senior pet’s food and water in elevated bowls, they experience less strain on their neck, hips, shoulders, and joints when they drink or eat. 
  • Turn on nightlights — As your pet ages, their vision may decline. Place nightlights around your home to help your senior pet navigate in the dark.

#6: Keep life interesting for your senior pet

Engaging your senior pet’s mind is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being and can help lower their cognitive dysfunction development risk. Keep things fresh and exciting for your pet by following these simple tips:

  • Rotate your pet’s toys — Prevent your pet from becoming bored with their toys by occasionally rotating them out. 
  • Teach your pet new tricks — An old dog can learn new tricks, and practicing a new skill engages their brain and strengthens your owner-pet bond.
  • Explore new places — The same route can become boring for you and your pet, so switch things up by walking in the opposite direction, visiting a nearby neighborhood, or exploring a new trail. 

Your pet’s care is a lifelong commitment, and we are here to support you and your pet through each of their life’s stages. Schedule your senior pet’s wellness appointment with our Stanton Pet Hospital team to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout their golden years.