It’s not easy to watch your pet age. They may not move as well as they used to, and may eventually lose their sight and hearing. Knowing that the end is approaching is painful, but there are some steps you can take to make the years they have left easier. You could even extend their life for a few years. Here are three ways to help your senior pet age with grace.

What Is Considered ‘Old’?

The American Veterinary Medical Association has a great chart comparing dog/cat ages to human ages. Larger dogs tend to have a shorter life span than smaller dogs. They are considered to be a senior at age 5 or 6, while smaller dogs and cats reach that status at about age 7.

Signs of Old Age

As your pet ages, they will start to display symptoms typical of old age. These can include:

• Loss of hearing/sight
• Arthritis
• Fatigue
• Weight loss/gain
• Graying muzzle/hair

Caring for Your Aging Pet

There are certain things you can do to keep your aging pet healthy and happy. Here are a few things that will help:

Healthy Diet

It’s essential to have your pet on a healthy diet to prevent weight gain and other problems. A healthy diet also includes not feeding them table scraps, no matter how much that piece of steak has them drooling. Consult your veterinarian on the best food choices.

Exercise

Getting the right amount of activity can also help with weight gain and prevent specific health problems. It’s also a great way to get your pet out of the house and enjoy the fresh air. This will improve your pet’s mood.

Regular Vet Visits

Frequent visits with your veterinarian can improve the chances that potential problems will be caught early. You can then form a treatment plan that is right for you and your pet. Here at Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital, we specialize in senior care.

Caring for your pet in the late stages of his/her life is an important task, and we are more than willing to help. Please contact us if you are interested in our veterinary services.