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Pets are generally considered to be seniors at seven years old. For cats, that's roughly equivalent to 54 human years and for dogs it's about 44 to 56 years, depending on the dog's size. Senior pets slow down and might experience health conditions. These tips help you care for your senior pet.
- Upgrade Your Gear: Choose pet gear that makes life easier for you and your furry friend. Waterproof pet beds with washable covers last longer if your senior pet drools or has occasional accidents (make sure you do some research to ensure your waterproof bed is a great fit for your pet's size and breed). Pet stairs help your senior pet reach the couch, bed, or other high surfaces. A special lifting harness makes it easier to help older dogs walk if they can't support their full weight. You can even get pet diapers.
- Schedule Vet Visits: Yearly vet visits are usually recommended for adult pets, but your vet might suggest two visits per year for senior pets. This allows your vet to track changes and identify health issues earlier. The twice-yearly exams might include blood and urine testing.
- Watch Their Weight: As your pet slows down with age, they can gain excess weight, which can shorten their life by two years or more. Your vet is the best resource for identifying your pet's ideal weight and managing their weight. However, a healthy weight tool can help you evaluate your pet's current condition and ideal weight.
If your dog has any behavioral problems, you should
- Keep Them Active: You might notice your pet's activity level dropping as they get older, especially if they have arthritis or other health conditions. Keeping them active helps your pet stay as healthy as possible. Your dog's breed and previous activity level impact how much exercise they need, but a general guideline for senior dogs is 30 to 60 minutes of active time daily. Ensure your dog gets fresh air and exercise with daily visits to the dog park in Eberwein Park in Chesterfield. Keep your senior cat active with wand toys, laser pointers, and electronic toys.
- Watch for Signs: Signs of age-related issues aren't always obvious. Your pet might slow down, have a slight limp, or stop jumping up on things. Watch for changes in behaviors to spot health issues early. Always check with your vet if you're concerned about your senior pet's behavior.
- Help With Grooming: Older pets may have difficulty with grooming due to limited mobility. Keep up with regular brushing to help. You might need to bathe your dog more frequently or take your pet to the groomer more often.
- Clean Up: Having a senior pet might mean more cleaning up from accidents. If you've tried every cleaning solution possible and still can't remove a stain from your furniture, consider hiring an upholstery cleaner. Search online for "furniture cleaning services near me," and check reviews online to find a cleaner with high satisfaction ratings. Look for a company that uses custom cleaning methods instead of an all-in-one cleaning solution. Ask for referrals from previous clients before hiring a company.
- Care for Your Senior Pet Well:
Paying attention to your senior pet's changing needs helps you get as much time as possible with your furry family member. If you want to help other pets in the Chesterfield area, find out how you can support Metro Animal Resource Services.
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