Apr 5

Apr 5 How To Care For An Elderly Pet

As Pets Age, They Need Some Special Considerations

By Emily Johnson, Dr. Erica Irish, DVM

It is sad, but true. Pets age, and with age comes concerning health issues or conditions. The best thing you can do for your elderly pet is to make sure they’re comfortable in all aspects of life.

Some ways to do this include:

Pain management

There are pain management options for pets that include numerous prescription medicines as well as dietary supplements, diet changes, and certain types of exercise depending on your pet’s health. Depending on your pet’s underlying condition, the actual drug used will vary — they may benefit from an NSAID anti-inflammatory painkiller or something more suited to nerve pain, like gabapentin.

Physical therapy such as hydrotherapy (gentle exercising in water), cold laser therapy (using a low-energy laser to help reduce inflammation), or acupuncture may also help relieve your pet’s pain.

Mobility

Environmental management helps your pet get around easier and involves minimizing the negative effects of anything your pet is struggling with. This will be unique to each individual but some ideas might be:

Putting mats down on slippery floors to reduce falls
Use a ramp to help your dog get into the car, up steps, or even onto the sofa
Raising food and water bowls if there is any back, neck, or front leg pain
Use litter boxes or trays with a low lip for easy access
Making sure lighting is bright and furniture is not moved if eyesight is deteriorating

Optimize their diet and appetite

Adequate nutrition is key to maintaining your pet’s body condition wherever possible. Even if your pet is not doing much in terms of activity, being in a disease state generally means that they’re suffering from an additional drain on energy and nutrients. This can also include a lack of appetite overall.

There is specialized pet food made specifically for seniors, or you can add supplements or vitamins for overall senior pet health as toppers to the meals. Work with your vet on a specialized nutrition plan for your pet’s needs. In the meantime, here are a few strategies to help increase your pet’s appetite: