Rescuing & Caring For Senior Pets

May is National Pet Month. National Pet Month is described in so many different ways, but mostly it is a time when we celebrate the joy and love that pets bring to our lives.

For today’s post, I would like to focus specifically on the joy that senior pets can bring to our lives and what you can do as a first time senior pet parent.

In the years I spent at the veterinary hospital, there were never more precious hours than the ones I spent caring for senior pets. Their sweet demeanor and eyes full of wisdom filled my heart with love and joy. Yet, so many senior pets remain in the shelters and rescues. If you are looking for a dog or cat to just love you. One that will save their energy for the special occasions like walks and playtime, one that will always be ready for a nap or snuggles, then you are looking for a senior pet.

If you are bringing home a senior pet for the first time, Petcurean and I want to share with you some tips on caring for these amazing creatures.

Exercise is Essential

Exercise is essential to the health of both pets and people. Particularly senior pets. When you are bringing a senior pet home for the first time, take a few weeks to see what their comfort level is for exercise. For example, a senior Border Collie might enjoy a 45-minute walk every day whereas a senior Bernese Mountain Dog might prefer two 20-minute walks each day. Once you discover their preference, provide them with regular and consistent exercise to maintain their weight and their muscle structure.

Exercise helps senior pets maintain a healthy body weight, and it helps slow the degeneration of joints from arthritis. Walking is excellent exercise. Swimming in a heated pool is also an excellent way to maintain joint mobility. – Petcurean

Proper Food is Essential

Making sure that your senior pet is receiving the appropriate amount of calories and supplements is crucial to keeping them healthy and mobile. A properly formed diet with the right mixture of protein and other nutrients is critical for longevity.

As older pets are less active, they need fewer calories. A high quality, limited ingredient diet is a great way to maintain weight in older pets, while addressing and sensitivities and ensuring they get the nutrition they need, like Petcurean’s Go! Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe for dogs. Dogs with joint problems may benefit from supplementation with glucosamine or fish oils. – Petcurean

Keep Those Teeth Clean

There is an entire month dedicated to Pet Dental Health and stressing the importance of that research and knowledge for pet parents. Make sure that your senior pet is visiting their veterinarian bi-annually for their oral health exam.

Dental care is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Dental disease is painful and may make eating difficult for your senior pet. If your dog won’t tolerate you brushing its teeth, consider dental treats, or dental toys designed to help keep the teeth clean and healthy. Teeth cleaning by your veterinarian will also help to maintain oral health.- Petcurean

Sorry, couch is full…

A photo posted by @petcurean on Apr 26, 2016 at 10:36am PDT

Keep Your Home Senior Friendly

Making sure that your home is designed with your senior pet in mind is imperative. Your home should be easily accessible and complete with beds that support their joints. Recently, I discussed how we rearranged our furniture to protect Rooney’s back. While Rooney is not yet a senior, I always want to make sure he has access to comfortable spots in the house.

Older dogs may develop arthritis or other joint problems, which can make it harder for them to get around. You can help by providing ramps to help them navigate around the house, get up on the bed, or get outside. Orthopedic pet beds may help keep your pet comfortable and relieve pressure on the joints. – Petcurean

Show Them Love

Quality time comes in all shapes and sizes. Each pet likes to spend their days doing different things. Make sure that your senior pet gets that quality time from you. Don’t waste a minute!

Nothing tells your pet that you love them like a good belly rub or ear scratch. As your pet ages, physical contact is more important than ever. Every moment you have together is precious, and increasing the physical connection between you will strengthen your bond immeasurably. Maximize every opportunity for bonding with your pet – you will both be glad you did. – Petcurean

I want to thank Petcurean for putting together these points for senior pet care! Additionally, they put together this very cute video which is all about pet rescue. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I am a Petcurean Blogger Advocate. I have been compensated in exchange for providing my opinion. However, My Kid Has Paws only discusses products I truly believe in. In fact, I feed Petcurean to Rooney every day.