The Ins and Outs of Keeping a Senior Pet Healthy
Guest Article by Tyler Evans
When our pet companions reach their senior years, they require extra special care and
attention. We must remember that as pets age, their needs become different from when
they were younger. If you’re the proud owner of a senior pet, read on for some tips from
Exceptional Pet Sitting, your pet sitter in Dallas, on how to provide them with the care they need to stay happy and healthy.
Fences for Safety
Installing a fence around your property can help keep your senior pet safe by preventing
them from wandering off and getting lost, not to mention protecting them against wild
animals and other unwelcome guests. Putting a barrier around your yard is especially
important if your pet suffers from dementia or hearing loss; the last thing you want is for
them to get confused or disoriented and wander away from home.
If you choose to put up a fence, remember to document the process (and any other
improvements you make to your outdoor space). Having before-and-after photos of your
project and receipts of any materials or services you purchased will help to prove your
home’s boosted value. This will come in handy if you choose to sell in the future!
Administer Medication
Learning how to administer medication is another critical part of caring for your senior pet,
particularly if they suffer from chronic pain or other health issues. Make sure you
understand the proper dosage instructions and how frequently you should give medication
for it to be effective. Doing your own research can go a long way, but be sure to ask your
veterinarian for recommendations on administering medications to your pet. If you travel, your pet sitter in Dallas can manage to administer meds in your absence.
Watch for Health Issues
It’s also important to look out for signs of health issues, such as changes in behavior or
appetite, excessive panting, difficulty with mobility, and so on. These could be indicators
that something is wrong and that it might be time to call the vet. Catching a problem early
can keep a potential health issue from becoming an actual one.
Keep an Eye Even When You’re Away
Installing home cameras can be an effective way to monitor your senior pet. As pets age,
they may develop health issues that require close attention and regular check-ins.
Additionally, senior pets may be more prone to accidents or injuries, making it important
to keep an eye on them to ensure their safety.
Home cameras allow you to remotely check in on your pet, ensuring they are eating,
drinking, and behaving normally while you are away. This can give pet owners peace of
mind, knowing they are doing everything they can to keep their beloved furry friends
healthy and safe. And if there is a glitch, don’t worry. You can easily power cycle your home
camera setup to get things back on track. If you’re going to be gone for an extended period
of time, consider calling in the professionals at Exceptional Pet Sitting to ensure your pet is
safe and healthy.
Veterinary Visits
Speaking of vets, you’ll want to take your senior pet in more frequently than you would if
they were younger. Generally, younger animals need to see the vet once a year, but senior
pets should have visits at least every six months. This allows the vet to monitor their health more
closely and identify any potential problems earlier on so they can administer the
appropriate treatment sooner rather than later.
Invest in Products That Help Your Pet
There are countless products on the market that can improve your senior pet’s overall
health and well-being. For example, if Fido is having trouble with mobility due to joint pain
or other ailments, investing in products designed specifically for older pets can boost their
quality of life significantly. Dog ramps and therapeutic beds are just two examples of
products that can make life easier for elderly pets.
If you’re handy, you can even DIY a dog ramp, customizing the size to your dog’s size and
the amount of space available. Dogs with weaker hindquarters, for example, might benefit
from a longer ramp with a more gradual slope. Do some thinking and measuring, and then
choose a ramp (or build one) with the right specifications in mind.
Changing Your Pet’s Diet
Finally, altering your pet’s diet can help ensure optimal nutrition as they age. Sometimes
particular breeds benefit from special considerations, and many dogs require prescription
diets at some point in their lives.
It’s important to speak with your vet about what sort of diet is best suited for your aging
animal; that way, you can provide them with all the nutrients they need while avoiding the
substances that could potentially harm them (such as certain types of food additives or too
much calcium).
Give Your Aging Pet the Love They Deserve
Taking care of a senior pet isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth it! By taking simple
steps like installing a fence, administering medication effectively, identifying signs of health
concerns, and following the other tips above, you can give your beloved companion all the
love and support they deserve in their golden years. Remember to show patience and
dedication and you and your furry friend will enjoy many wonderful years together!
