Your senior pet has given you a lifetime of love and devotion, and you hate to see them growing older. While you can’t stop the passage of time, you can support your furry pal and help them make the most of their golden years. Here are 10 simple ways you can boost your senior pet’s health and help them enjoy life as they age.

#1: Feed your senior pet an appropriate amount

People often equate food with love to show their pet affection, but those heartfelt calories add up quickly. Overweight and obese pets face an increased risk for a multitude of health issues, but you can extend their lifespan by up to two years by keeping your pet at a healthy weight.

Feed your pet the appropriate amount by first calculating their required calories, offering properly portioned meals, and limiting treats. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s total daily calories, and should be healthy foods, such as baby carrots, berries, apples, and green beans.

#2: Switch to a senior pet diet

Older pets’ nutritional needs differ from their younger counterparts and they often need a specialized diet. In addition to different protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral levels, your senior pet may have a chronic condition that requires a prescription diet. Consult with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service veterinarian to formulate your senior pet’s optimum nutritional diet.

#3: Add supplements to support senior pet health

Feeding a well-balanced diet is necessary to support your senior pet’s health, and additional supplements can provide an extra boost. For example, a joint supplement can reduce your arthritic pet’s inflammation and pain, improve mobility and flexibility, and preserve joint cartilage and fluid. Many supplements that can help with problems such as cognitive function, organ support, gastrointestinal (GI) motility, and urinary health are also available.

#4: Find ways to exercise every day

Senior pets are prone to losing muscle mass because of decreased activity, improper nutrition, and chronic diseases, but daily exercise can help preserve their muscle mass, joint health, mobility, and general health. Aim for at least two 15-minute sessions each day of low-impact, slow-paced activities, such as swimming, walking, trick training, and gentle games of fetch or chase, to avoid putting too much pressure on arthritic joints.

#5: Play brain games with your senior pet

The older your pet gets, the more likely they will develop cognitive dysfunction. Keep their mind sharp with mental exercises incorporated in their daily physical activities. Teach your pet new tricks and skills, let them solve food puzzles, and play games such as hide-and-seek that encourage them to think.

#6: Redesign your home for easy pet access

Your senior pet will likely start finding stairs, slippery floors, and dark hallways difficult to navigate, so assist them by providing ramps or pet steps, laying down rugs or carpet runners, and plugging in nightlights. Ensure your pet can easily access their food, water, bed, and litter box by placing them on the main floor, but space out these resources—for example, don’t put your cat’s toilet next to their food.

#7: Elevate food and water bowls

Senior pets often have arthritis in their elbows, shoulders, spine, hips, and knees, and crouching down to eat and drink can be painful. Elevate their bowls so they can eat and drink in comfort.

#8: Help your senior pet with hygiene

Stiff, arthritic pets often no longer have the flexibility they need to groom themselves properly, so lend a helping hand. Brush your pet regularly according to their fur length and thickness to prevent matting and remove dead hair. Also:

  • Avoid too-frequent bathing, which can dry out their skin.
  • Instead, spot clean as needed with waterless shampoo.
  • Ensure their hind end stays clean and dry.
  • Trim nails regularly, so your pet can walk more easily and comfortably.
  • Ask our veterinary team for help (e.g., nail clipping) if needed.

#9: Brush your senior pet’s teeth daily

Dental disease is extremely common in pets, especially older pets. Left untreated, periodontal bacteria can infiltrate the gums, supporting tooth structures, the bloodstream, and various body organs, and cause significant pain and infection. Brush your pet’s teeth daily and provide approved dental chews, treats, and other products to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation and promote good oral health. Your pet should also receive regular professional dental cleanings.

#10: Schedule biannual pet wellness visits

Senior pets should be screened more frequently to monitor their health and check for disease processes. Biannual wellness visits allow our team to keep a close eye on your senior pet’s health, catch disease in the earliest stages, and adjust their health care plan more quickly. 

By staying on top of your senior pet’s preventive care, you can help them enjoy a good quality of life throughout their golden years. Give our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team a call to schedule your pet’s wellness appointment.