As pets get older, their needs change - just like with us humans, we adapt our lifestyles as we age, so need to adjust the care we provide our furry companions too. In this blog post, we will take a look at some top tips on caring for older animals, looking at dietary adjustments, exercise and ways in which you can monitor their health.
The Ageing Process in Pets
Pets age at a faster rate than humans and each species and breed of animal has a different ageing process. Cats and dogs are considered to be senior when they reach the age of around 7 years old. Larger dog breeds age faster than smaller ones, and cats often don’t show signs of ageing until they are a lot older.
The main signs of ageing in pets include reduced energy levels, increased grey hairs, weight fluctuations, reduced mobility and sometimes changes in behaviour. By being aware of these common signs, you can start to adapt your pet’s lifestyle accordingly.
Dietary Adjustments
In pets, their nutritional needs change as they get older, particularly as their joints become stiffer and mobility is reduced. Here are a few things to consider when adjusting their diet:
1. High-quality protein
Older pets need to have protein that is easily digestible in order to maintain their muscles. High-quality sources include chicken and fish.
2. Fibre to improve digestion
By increasing dietary fibre, this can help reduce constipation in senior pets which can be quite common as their body starts to slow down. Foods that contain fibre-rich ingredients such as sweet potatoes and brown rice are perfect.Omega-3 fatty acids
These help to reduce inflammation by mopping up excess free radicals in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil are also perfect for supporting joint health in senior pets.
4. Calorie-controlled diet
As pets age, their metabolism slows down and being overweight can have negative effects on their joint mobility. By monitoring your pet’s calorie intake, this can prevent obesity which then leads to other medical complications.
5. Joint supplements
As pets age they require a little more help to support their joints - chondroitin and glucosamine supplements help with this.
6. Keep them hydrated
It may sound simple, but keeping your senior pet hydrated is really important. Older pets are often more prone to kidney issues caused by dehydration, so giving them access to clean, fresh water at all times is important.
Exercise For Older Pets
Keeping pets mobile as they age is really important, for both their physical and mental health. By keeping their muscles strong and their joints flexible, this can help to reduce obesity too. The type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to the individual. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Gentle exercise: activities like walking or light play can help keep your dog active without putting excessive strain on their joints. It is often better to go for several short walks during the day, rather than one long walk.
- Joint-friendly exercises: swimming is a great way to give your pet exercise without having a negative impact on their joints. As the water acts as a buoyancy aid, it reduces the resistance. Perfect for pets with joint issues or arthritis.
- Mental stimulation: just like with humans, it is important to keep your pet’s brain sharp as they age. Try puzzle toys and scent games in order to get them thinking for themselves.
Health Monitoring For Senior Pets
Regular health check-ups are important for early detection of illness and disease in senior pets. Some key areas to focus on are:
1. Regular vet visits
It is a good idea to increase the frequency of check-ups to twice a year as your dog ages, as this allows for the early detection of health issues which will lead to a better prognosis.
2. Dental hygiene
Dental health often declines as pets get older, so make sure you are cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly.
3. Weight management
Monitor your pet for fluctuations in their weight - either gaining or losing weight can be an indicator of their health starting to decline.
4. Blood tests
Routine blood tests can help monitor the function of your pet’s organs, as well as detecting things like kidney disease, diabetes and thyroid issues.
5. Vision and hearing
Older pets can struggle with both hearing and vision, so make sure you don’t make any big changes to their home environment if you suspect they are starting to lose their sight or hearing.
6. Pain management
Arthritis is common in older pets and you may need to medicate them in order to provide relief against the symptoms. Work with your vet to create a pain management plan - this may include things like physiotherapy or acupuncture.
Caring for senior pets does require some adjustments, but by keeping an eye on their overall health and keeping them mentally and physically stimulated, you can significantly improve the quality of life of your ageing pet.