Welcoming home a puppy is possibly one of the most exciting and heartwarming events for any pet parent, whether you’re raising a golden retriever, a fluffy toy pom, or any other adorable dog breed. But there’s no halting the hands of time, and your pup will grow older eventually.
It can be understandably heartbreaking to watch your beloved pet grow old and frail, just as devastating to watch a human family member approach their last days of life.
But even though your pet is growing older and more fragile, you can still provide them with a full quality of life.
Whether your dog is approaching their last days or freshly a senior, we’ve listed all the ways you can safeguard your senior pet’s health and ensure they enjoy high-quality life.
Routine Vet Checkups
Routine vet visits are an essential way to care for your aging dog’s health. During vet visits, the vet will check all aspects of your dogs’ physical well-being and provide you with valuable advice if there are any concerns.
Vet visits are crucial for the early identification of health ailments, and your vet will also be able to help you with valuable advice if you are concerned about any area of your dogs’ well-being or behavior.
Choose The Right Pet Food
The right pet food is critical to keeping your pet in good health over the years. It’s never wise to compromise pet food quality to save a few bucks at the end of each month. Unfortunately, cheaper pet foods can lead to a series of unpleasant health concerns like digestive discomfort, malnutrition, and so much more.
Speak to your local vet about suitable senior dog food and ask about appropriate portion sizes.
Prioritize Dental Care
There’s no such thing as a dog dentist, although your regular vet will keep an eye on your pet’s teeth and oral health state as well.
But beyond vet checks, you should ensure your pet gets the proper nutrition and teeth cleaning treats to prevent cavities. It’s not really wise to brush your dog’s teeth with your toothpaste, but your vet will recommend dental treats and solutions if your dog does develop oral health concerns as they age.
Purchase Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can help you keep your senior pet healthy, even when your budget is tight. This unique insurance policy helps cover the costs of vet visits, essential surgeries, treatments, and so much more.
There’s no doubt you already know that vet bills can be crippling. Instead of bearing the financial burden of increasing vet visits alone, find a pet insurance policy that suits your coverage needs and never compromise the health of your senior pet again.
Moreover, pet insurance also offers a list of valuable policy benefits that might come in handy. These benefits often include things like emergency pet sitters and so much more.
Encourage Routine Exercise
Exercise is vital for life. Even though your pet is getting older, take them for a daily walk. It’s best to let your senior dog dictate the pace of the walk; senior dogs might prefer a leisurely stroll rather than a jog around the neighborhood.
But if you don’t have the time to devote to daily walks, you can hire a dog walker to ensure your senior pet gets the daily physical activity they need to stay healthy and live longer.
Never Leave Your Senior Pet Alone
It’s never best to leave your senior pet alone for extended periods of time, even if someone is popping in to feed them now and then.
If you decide to go on vacation, bring your pet along or hire a pet sitter. Anything can go wrong in a moment, and you won’t want your beloved pet to experience pain, discomfort, or anything else while you’re away.
Be Vigilant For Signs Of Discomfort
As your pet grows older, the risk of developing various health ailments increases. Instead of waiting for symptoms to develop to a severe level, be vigilant for signs of even minor discomfort.
If you note your pet is experiencing any kind of discomfort, whether it be itchiness, digestive issues, or even ear ache, consult your local vet right away.
Even if the symptom of discomfort seems mild, it’s best to have it seen because many minor symptoms are signs of developing health conditions that can spiral out of control.
Prioritize Regular Grooming
Grooming is essential for pets of all ages. However, it’s even more critical for aging pets because grooming will give you the opportunity to thoroughly check for skin ailments, fleas, and other potential health concerns.
Whether you decide to groom your senior pet at home or opt for a professional groomer, it’s essential to increase the frequency of grooming sessions as your pet ages.
Reduce Slipping Hazards In The Home
Senior pets, much like senior humans, are prone to slips and trips due to degraded joint mobility, decreasing muscle health, and declining flexibility. Unfortunately, a fall for a senior pet can be devastating, so it’s essential to reduce slipping hazards within your home.
Add non-slip flooring or rugs to areas where you feel your pet might slip. It’s a tiny price to pay for the safety of your beloved furry family member.
Make Every Moment Count
Your furry friend is getting older, and the fact is likely heartbreaking. But instead of anxiously anticipating their very last breath, it’s best to make every moment count.
You genuinely can’t turn back the hands of time, and there’s no way to keep your senior pet alive forever; the fact that dogs only live 10-13 years on average is one of the most devastating truths for most pet parents.
But even so, you can ensure your senior pet lives a full life, and devoting even more time to your pet now is imperative; this might not make saying goodbye any easier, although it will ensure your senior fur baby enjoys their last days of life.
