5 Ways to Keep Your Aging Pet Healthy

It’s only natural to want to help your senior cat or dog enjoy the longest, happiest life possible during their golden years. Physical and cognitive changes occur in our aging furry friends that are very similar to the changes we experience as seniors. Joints may begin aching, eyesight can weaken, hearing loss may occur, and they may get a bit lethargic. However, there are several ways to can ease their discomfort and accommodate for their physical changes to keep them more comfortable and content. We want to educate you more on senior pet wellness, so we have provided five ways to keep your aging pet healthy!

1. Keep Clutter to a Minimum

Pets who are losing their eyesight or suffer from cataracts may have a hard time seeing all those toys or knickknacks on the floor, causing them to have accidents that aren’t favorable to their brittle bones. Give your aging pet a clear pathway to the spots they frequent—like the food and water bowl—to avoid accidents and injuries.

2. Give Fluffy or Fido a Super Cozy Bed

You’ve likely spent a night or two on an uncomfortable mattress and woke up with sore, tight muscles. Remember those experiences while you select a new, senior friendly bed for your cat or dog. They’ll appreciate the extra cushioning and will sleep better and night, which is vital to good health.

3. Keep Your Pet’s Body and Mind Active

You’ll want to enjoy every moment you can with your geriatric pet, and this aspect of pet senior wellness can help their mind’s stay sharp and their body in good physical condition. Keep your cat active with furry mouse toys, feather wands, and maybe a bit of catnip every so often. Senior dogs may not be as fast as they once were, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy a game of fetch or a nice walk each day.

4. Prevent Slips with Rugs

If you have tile or hardwood floors, Fluffy or Fido has a greater risk of slipping and falling. Aging pets have a much harder time healing after injuries, so the best course of action is prevention. Invest in nonslip rugs or lay carpet runners along their primary pathways in the home to give them additional traction.

5. Invest in Pet Steps or a Ramp

If your pet loves to snuggle up next to you in bed or on the sofa, you may find that they have a hard time jumping up into those elevated spaces. Help them rise to the occasion by putting cushioned pet stairs or a gently inclining ramp.

Pet Senior Wellness is a Priority at Our Vet in Laguna Hills, Call Us Today!

Here at Trinity Pet Hospital, we are committed to pet senior wellness. Our vet in Laguna Hills can help your pet live the happiest and longest life possible. Call 949-768-1314 today to schedule a comprehensive wellness exam for your senior pet.