5 Positive Ways to Help Your Aging Pet

Cody, the cocker spaniel who lived with us from age 10 to almost 18.

His name was Cody. We adopted the handsome cocker spaniel from the local humane society when he was 10. He lived to be almost 18 and during those years we shared walks, vacations, laughter, and cuddles. He was not the only senior pet I’ve had.

I adopted Ama, my long-haired, part Ragdoll cat, when she was two years old – she lived to nearly 19. The cats in our house today, Murphy and Bailey, came to us when they were 10 weeks old; they are now more than 15 years old. Currently, we also have two 9-year-old dogs. Senior pets have been part of my life for decades.

We can’t stop, or even, slow time, not for ourselves and not for our pets. Everyone ages, including our beloved animals.

As much as we’d like to slow down time, we’re unable to do so. However, we can treat our older pets with lots of TLC and help them live long and happy lives. Unsplash photo.



Tips to Keep Your Older Pet Healthy and Happy

Many of us live with older pets, whether they are elderly when we adopt them or they have lived with us since kitten/puppyhood or since they were young adults. Our senior pets need extra-special care as their bodies and mental states grow older … just like people. Here are five positive ways we can help our aging animals:

Schedule vet visits every six months instead of every year. Even though vaccinations are required that often, having your dog or cat checked twice a year helps your vet notice any changes in health, such as lumps and bumps that could be cancerous, any change in your pets lungs or heart, or change in weight. Because obesity is on the rise in pets as it is among humans and overweight animals tend to develop other health issues, it’s a good idea to know if your elderly pet is gaining or losing weight and how that might affect his/her health.Feed your senior pet quality food. Feeding your aging dog or cat better food helps your pet stay healthier longer, providing the nutrition an older animal needs. The Dog Food Advisor created a list earlier this year of better quality dog foods for senior dogs, which includes Pro Plan Bright Mind by Purina and Wellness Core for Senior Dogs, among several others. Feline Living reviewed senior cat food and developed a list of good foods for older cats, which included Nutro Senior Indoor (dry), Now Fresh Senior Weight Management (dry), and Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain Free Pate (wet), among others.Engage your older pets in play and other activities. From walking around the neighborhood to playing fetch, our older pets still need exercise. Arthritis can impact how much, how often, and how active that exercise could and should be; however, just like people, older animals need activity for both physical and mental health. Cats should be encouraged to chase feathers, play with catnip mice, or run after rubber balls, and dogs should be walked regularly, spend time at the dog park, or chase a ball or other toy in the back yard. Activity is stimulating … and necessary. And the companionship you and your pet share during play benefits both of you.Cut back on the treats. Just as humans need to curb the sweet and chip snacking, out older pets also need to be limited on how many and what types of treats given. Many pet parents provide their dogs with vegetables, like broccoli and carrots, instead of biscuits and jerky. Talk with your veterinarian or research online about the types of snacks you should feed your older dog or cat.Be mindful of illnesses senior animals are prone to. As our animals age, their bodies can be impacted by various diseases, including diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and kidney failure, as well as other health issues such as blindness and deafness. There are ways to navigate such waters and many alternative therapies, like CBD oil, hydrotherapy, massage, and acupuncture, can help ease pain and provide a longer life for our beloved animals. Talking with your vet and with other pet owners helps ease the burden and guides us in decision-making.



Keeping pets active, even in their older age, is good for their mental as well as their physical health. Engage them with toys and take them on walks to keep them active … and you as well! Unsplash photo.



You and Your Pet Can Age Gracefully Together

Just like people, pets are living longer, and their care is paramount in their older age just as it is when they are young. However, recognize older pets require a bit more TLC, and for all the joy, companionship, and devotion they give to us, that additional tender loving care is worth it!

For more information on caring for a senior pet, visit the ASPCA Pet Insurance site here: https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/how-to-care-for-senior-pets/