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Caring for Aging Pets
ets, like humans, will eventually age and find it increasingly more difficult to function the way they used to, and that’s why it is very important to make sure that you are well prepared for this stage of their lives. The rate at which pets show signs of aging, however, depends very much on the size, breed, and general health of the animal. In dogs, for example, it tends to be the larger breeds that age more quickly; small dog breeds and cats that live indoors all the time tend to live longer. To ensure that you are well prepared for your pet’s senior years, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinary surgeon to discuss your companion’s needs before it reaches a certain age – this should be around five to six years of age for larger dogs and around eight or nine years of age for smaller breeds. Cats, on the other hand, can live up to twenty years, but they do tend to start taking life a bit easier from around the age of seven. As well as seeking professional advice from your veterinary surgeon, there are a number of things you can do at home to ensure that your pet stays in peak condition and gets the most out of its senior years. Consider the following points carefully:
Exercise regularly - exercise is important for pets of any age, but once an animal reaches its senior years it is more important than ever. Regular exercise can help to keep your pet’s weight 22 | 50+ Living | December 2019
down, ensure maximum flexibility, and ward off age-related disorders.
Provide plenty of water - you will probably notice that as your pet gets older it drinks less water, and this can of course lead to dehydration. You will need to keep your pet’s water bowl topped up regularly with fresh, clean water, and it may be a good idea to place some additional water bowls around the house so that your pet doesn’t have to walk too far to get a drink. Feed the right diet - feeding a good balanced diet is also important for animals of any age, but it is even more important for older animals. A high quality diet that contains easy-to-digest protein should be fed to senior pets to maintain health and optimum body weight, as well as preventing the development of chronic diseases. Vitamin supplements and antioxidants - when animals begin to age, they do not absorb nutrients from their diets as well as they did when they were young. It is therefore recommended that senior pets are given dietary supplements that are specially formulated for seniors. Antioxidants are also necessary to reduce the damage that is caused by cell oxidation, as this can be a primary factor in the onset of many chronic health conditions.
