Tips for Taking Care of an Aging Family Pet

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As your family pet gets older, you will have to make adjustments to your pet's daily care routine. Aging animals require more check-ups, and you may need to talk to your vet about vaccines and medications that can improve your pet's health. Here are some practical suggestions for caring for an aging family pet.

Observe Your Pet's Behavior

Since your dogs and cats can't speak to you to tell you what's wrong, you'll need to watch for changes in your pet's behavior. It's natural for your furry friend to be less active with age, but you should check to see if your pet is becoming more irritable. When older pets aren't eating as much, this could be a sign of a major health issue. As your animal gets older, he/she may start to drink much more water due to dehydration. It's also common for some pets to urinate much more or less with age, and this could be a sign that you should take your pet to the vet for an exam.

Make Changes to Your Home

Your dog will likely have mobility issues with age, but you can make adjustments to your home to make life a little easier for your pet. You can purchase an orthopedic bed for your pet so your dog can sleep comfortably. A jacket, sweater, or blanket can also keep your pet warm during cool nights in the fall and winter. Place a water dish by your pet's bed so water is easily accessible all times of day and night -- this can reduce the changes of dehydration.

You should also be aware that your pet's hearing and sight may worsen with age. Give your dog extra time during walks and be patient as your pet tries to find his/her way around the house. It's common for your pet to become jumpy when hearing loud noises or experience confusion in familiar areas like your home or the local dog park. Over time, your pet may become disinterested in playing. So, instead of taking your pet for hour-long walks, try going on shorter walks a few times out of the day to encourage your pet to exercise in a way that isn't too overwhelming.

Grooming can also be a challenge for an aging pet. Brush your pet's teeth regularly and use a soft brush to groom your dog's fur. Grooming your pet regularly can strengthen your bond and help you understand your furry friend's needs.

Check for Symptoms of Arthritis

The American Veterinary Medical Association asserts that arthritis is common in senior pets. You should make an appointment with your vet if you notice any arthritis symptoms for more than a week or so. If your dog has stiff joints, isn't moving as much as before, or has a hard time climbing the stairs, this could be a sign that your pet has arthritis. The vet may prescribe medicines that reduce inflammation. You can also make adjustments to your pet's diet and include low-impact workouts in your pet care routine to improve your furry family member's health. Don't give your pet human medicines for arthritis unless your vet advises you to do so. You should also speak to your vet about how to cope with the loss of a pet, since certain health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet based on breed and other lifestyle factors. This will be beneficial to your children as well.

Change Your Pet's Diet and Exercise Routine

Most pets will need to eat less as they get older since they won't be as active as they were when they were younger. It's important to choose pet food that is formulated for older dogs and filled with vitamins and minerals that strengthen the bones and muscles and gives your pet a shiny coat. Even though your pet may not be as active, it is still important to make sure your furry friend gets as much exercise as possible. Go on walks daily, and prompt your pet to jog or run for a few minutes a day as well. Even though your pet may not want to spend hours outside or catch frisbees or balls, regular activity can help you manage your pet's weight and preserve the health of your pet's joints.

The more you know about what to expect when taking care of your aging pet, the more prepared you will be to handle each phase of your four-legged family member's life and preserve the health or your dog or cat for years to come.