Pet animals are no different to human beings for they also encounter body changes as they become older. Being mindful of this, they hence also need modifications in the care they obtain from their owners. Senior pets require more care and attention as compared to younger animals. However, just because their needs have increased, it doesn't always need to mean being more difficult. By properly giving care that's suitable for older pets, these animals have even the capability to double their average life spans. It'll also allow you to enjoy your loyal animal's company even more as he or she goes through the golden years.
The bodily changes experienced by our pets as they get older can either be slow or overnight. But not every type of animal undergoes similar speed and pattern when it comes to these elderly changes. Dogs go through changes depending on their breed. Generally, dogs are considered to be at their senior age at 7 years old. The little breeds, however, can still reach more years before they are in the geriatric phase of their lives. Meanwhile, cats are also regarded as elderly when they reach 7 to 10 years of age.
One of the common issues you must consider with a senior pet is their decreased capability to move around. This is a result of the occurrence of stiff and painful joints, termed arthritis. If this condition has not occurred to your pet yet, you can try to delay it from taking place by letting your animal regularly do proper forms of exercises. If the floors in your house are made of slick tiles or wood, you might notice that your pet will avoid passing on these types of floors. Because this type of floor material can increase the pain for pets, you can cover the surface with an area rug. If you opted to provide your puppy with assistance in performing certain activities just like climbing up the stairs, you might want to consider having a pet gate mounted and locked. A fence that's closed will keep your animal from going up the stairs, which otherwise can possibly cause him/her to fall and get injured.
Older pets have greater tendency to want to go outdoor in order to relieve themselves. So make sure that they're given many chances of being able to play outside so they can do their business. Aging animals, nonetheless, would also lose the desire to go outside the house specially when their joints are stiff and painful from arthritis. You can provide your cats with several kitty litter boxes at home, or your puppy with portable indoor "doggie potties."
If you're used to bringing your pet with you in your vehicle, they may have a tougher time hopping to get inside the automobile at their older age. Unless your animal is small and could be easily carried, then you can simply just carry him or her up to get inside the vehicle. Or you can also place a pet stair for him/her (particularly big pets) to get in the vehicle on his/her own.
Providing your dog with heated and therapeutic foam bedding and doggie diapers is also a great idea since this will help soothe their painful and swelling joints particularly during cold times.
Aging pets are also prone to experiencing dryness on their skin and coat. To aid relieve or prevent this issue, you can groom your animal regularly. Regular proper grooming will also allow you to instantly identify early signs and symptoms of the development of cancers and other serious abnormalities.
Aging pets are also very much vulnerable to obesity due to less amount of activities. You must therefore also make adjustments on their diet to avoid the ailments associated with getting too body fat.
Most essential of all, do continue to shower your senior animals with love and attention so they can still meet their psychological stimulation needs.
The bodily changes experienced by our pets as they get older can either be slow or overnight. But not every type of animal undergoes similar speed and pattern when it comes to these elderly changes. Dogs go through changes depending on their breed. Generally, dogs are considered to be at their senior age at 7 years old. The little breeds, however, can still reach more years before they are in the geriatric phase of their lives. Meanwhile, cats are also regarded as elderly when they reach 7 to 10 years of age.
One of the common issues you must consider with a senior pet is their decreased capability to move around. This is a result of the occurrence of stiff and painful joints, termed arthritis. If this condition has not occurred to your pet yet, you can try to delay it from taking place by letting your animal regularly do proper forms of exercises. If the floors in your house are made of slick tiles or wood, you might notice that your pet will avoid passing on these types of floors. Because this type of floor material can increase the pain for pets, you can cover the surface with an area rug. If you opted to provide your puppy with assistance in performing certain activities just like climbing up the stairs, you might want to consider having a pet gate mounted and locked. A fence that's closed will keep your animal from going up the stairs, which otherwise can possibly cause him/her to fall and get injured.
Older pets have greater tendency to want to go outdoor in order to relieve themselves. So make sure that they're given many chances of being able to play outside so they can do their business. Aging animals, nonetheless, would also lose the desire to go outside the house specially when their joints are stiff and painful from arthritis. You can provide your cats with several kitty litter boxes at home, or your puppy with portable indoor "doggie potties."
If you're used to bringing your pet with you in your vehicle, they may have a tougher time hopping to get inside the automobile at their older age. Unless your animal is small and could be easily carried, then you can simply just carry him or her up to get inside the vehicle. Or you can also place a pet stair for him/her (particularly big pets) to get in the vehicle on his/her own.
Providing your dog with heated and therapeutic foam bedding and doggie diapers is also a great idea since this will help soothe their painful and swelling joints particularly during cold times.
Aging pets are also prone to experiencing dryness on their skin and coat. To aid relieve or prevent this issue, you can groom your animal regularly. Regular proper grooming will also allow you to instantly identify early signs and symptoms of the development of cancers and other serious abnormalities.
Aging pets are also very much vulnerable to obesity due to less amount of activities. You must therefore also make adjustments on their diet to avoid the ailments associated with getting too body fat.
Most essential of all, do continue to shower your senior animals with love and attention so they can still meet their psychological stimulation needs.
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