Pets have senior moments, too; be ready for them

No matter how great of a pet parent you are, nothing will change the fact that your pet is eventually going to get older. As our pets age, they begin to slow down and require adjustments to their lifestyle. As pet owners, we need to be aware of our pet’s changing needs in order to help them transition to the senior stage of their life with ease and comfort. Whether you’ve got an aging pet that has been with you for their whole life or you’ve recently welcomed a senior pet into your home, expect to see these changes in your older pet:

Increased Bathroom Breaks

Your dog may be perfectly potty trained, but as he ages, expect to see some changes to his routine. While some dogs need to go out more frequently as they get older, other dogs just plain forget they need to go out at all! It may be up to you to remind your pet it’s time to go outside.

Difficulty with Stairs

Stairs that once posed no problems for your pets in their younger days will become increasingly difficult for them to use as they grow older. As discussed in a previous article about litter box issues, your cat may even start avoiding the litter box if it is located in a part of the house that is no longer easy to access because of stairs. Find an easy-to-reach spot for your senior cat’s litter box and consider getting a ramp to help your dog get into the car or reach his favorite sleeping spot on the couch.

Nutrition Changes

As our pets age, their nutrition needs begin to change. Speak to your vet about your pet’s health needs and look into pet foods specifically designed for senior pets. Senior pet food is not only designed for your pet’s changing nutrition needs, it is also easier to digest.

Memory Problems

Much like people, our pets can become senile as they grow older. In the last year of her life, my family’s 15-year-old dachshund would often be confused. It wasn’t unusual to take her outside to go to the bathroom only to have her stand in one spot, stare into the distance for a while, then sit down and look at you as if to ask, “Do you remember why we came out here?” Keep your pet’s brain stimulated with different toys and activities to help them from having memory problems.

Difficulty Getting Up

Your pet may start having a harder time getting up and down, and the hard floor probably isn’t making things any better for them. Help your pet from becoming stiff or sore by giving them an orthopedic bed designed for senior pets. Pets with arthritis might also have problems walking on bare floors. If you find that your pet has trouble finding his footing, try putting some throw rugs down.

Change in Exercise Routine

Just because your pet is older does not mean they do not need to exercise. An overweight pet is at higher risk of health problems, so keep your pet on a routine exercise plan to help them maintain a healthy weight. Senior pets that routinely exercise also enjoy increased mobility. Remember that your pet’s energy level and ability will change over the years, so make sure you are choosing appropriate activities for them, such as a walk vs. a run.

Increased Vet Care

Expect to see your pet’s annual vet exam change as he or she ages. Your vet will likely recommend blood work be done on your pet each year to check for any signs of illness. Your vet might also recommend more frequent vet visits, especially if your pet displays any health issues. Be sure to monitor your pet’s dental health and clean their teeth regularly to prevent infections and other health issues. Preventative care is especially important for older pets as it is difficult to put them under anesthesia for professional dentals.

With some attention to their changing needs and lots of love, your senior pet can live a happy and healthy life for many more years to come!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with three parrots, two cats, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org