Often it feels like one day we welcome little kittens or puppies into our homes, and the next day we have senior animals to take care of. Your pets will need more attention and time from you when they grow older.
It depends on you to step up and give your senior family pets the love and care they are worthy of for being on your side every day. Whatever it takes, however, all fur moms and dads will give a lot to lengthen the lives of their fur babies.
How Old Are Senior Dogs and Cats?
Dogs and cats age quicker than humans because of genes, metabolic processes, and how hard their bodies work. Development and maturity may even be quicker for some breeds. Growing teeth and sexual maturity even happen in the first year of their lives. Their physical and intellectual development is even quicker during the first two years of their lives. It slows down just a tiny bit after that.
Senior age varies depending upon species and size. Cats are considered senior at eleven years of age, the same as small breed dogs. Nevertheless, some large breed dogs can be considered seniors at six to seven years of age.
What Happens to Senior Dogs and Cats?
Like human beings, pets weaken. They begin to lose energy, and their sense of sight and hearing can weaken. Their internal organs, bones, and joints become weak. This weakness might lead to diabetes, thyroid problems, arthritis, and cancer.
Senior pets’ fur may thin or get lighter, and some may develop bumps and swellings on their skin. Behavioral problems might even occur as some pets might experience pain or anxiety. This Denver vet hospital can walk you through geriatric pet issues.
What Can We Do for Our Senior Pets?
To reduce the burden of old age and other health issues, consider the following suggestions to help your senior friend.
Regular Wellness Check
An adult pet should go to the vet a minimum of once a year, but an elderly pet must be taken for checkups at least twice a year. Remember that they age quicker than you, so any signs of health concerns must be resolved rapidly. Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital welcomes senior dogs for wellness checkups.
Treatments or Therapy
You must ensure that your pets get the treatment and medication they require when recommended. Vitamins and parasite prevention medications must be given regularly to keep them strong and clear of risk from the parasites.
Some senior pets who are sick may need specialists like oncologists or ophthalmologists. These veterinarian professionals might recommend surgery, chemotherapy, cold laser therapy, and so on. See here for more on cold laser therapy for dogs near me.
Balanced Diet Plan
Your veterinarians will help you figure this out depending upon your pet’s needs. Some animals require specific kibbles, some need to have more fiber, and some may even require raw or gently prepared food. We need to supply whatever they consume to ensure they get the best nutrition possible.
Grooming
It is essential to keep our senior family pets tidy and well-groomed. Groomers, specifically those who operate in vet health centers, will be able to see and tell you if problems are present in your pet. It is best to find groomers who can deal with senior pets. They are more cautious handling pets in pain or those with behavioral problems due to changes in their bodies.
The Takeaway
Most essentially, providing more time and attention to senior pets is best. As soon as they age, you should know more about changes in their bodies and actions. When you are attentive and see these instantly, you might be lengthening your cuddly buddy’s life. Understanding how to care for them will give you more time to be with them.
