Three Tips To Caring For A Senior Pet

Post by Blog Manager Robbi Hess

For anyone who adopts a pet — whether a puppy or an older dog — there will come a time when you will
be faced with caring for him or her into old age. There are steps you can take to help your pet age with grace and good health (much the same way humans need to!) 

Here are three tips for helping your pet age healthfully: 

1. Be aware of any health issues that
   could arise. For different breeds, sizes and species, there are unique aging
   issues that arise, for example, in large breeds you see problems with their
   hips and joints. Other issues that face our aging pets are: obesity, dental
   issues, diminished ability to fight off infections, loss of muscle and/or
   bladder control, deterioration of skin and fur, arthritis.
2. Feed your pet the right diet. You
   should be cognizant of this from the day you bring your pet into your home. The
   size and species and activity level of your pet will help determine the amount
   and kind of food she eats. If you have questions, read the labels on the bags
   of food you purchase and ask your vet for advice. Making sure your pet food
   includes beta-carotene and vitamin E can aid in elimination of free radicals
   which can cause damage to your pet’s body tissues and contribute to the signs
   of aging.
3. Preventing obesity as your pet ages
   is crucial to his long-term health. As in humans as we age, if we move around
   less we tend to gain weight. If your pet is less active, you may want to consider
   cutting back on the amount of food you feed and even the kind of food. Keep
   your pet as active as possible to help prevent obesity. Protein is a must in
   your pet’s diet because even as your pet ages her need for protein doesn’t
   diminish. Protein in your pet’s diet helps keep his muscle mass.

Routine visits to
your veterinarian are also crucial to your pet’s overall wellbeing. Ask your
vet for advice on enhancing your pet’s quality of life and for advice you can implement
to make his life easier as he ages.

Don’t forget to enter our BlogPaws Community photo contest. The theme
this month is Celebrating Senior Pets. We are also hosting #BlogPawsChat on
Twitter along this theme and giving away prizes to attendees.