Pets age faster compared to humans because they have faster metabolisms. So as the years pass, you'll likely watch your now energetic and full-of-life pet grow weaker and needier. Senior pets need more specialized care from you and your veterinarian because of their vulnerability. Read on to explore how to care for your aging pet at one of its most vulnerable stages of life.
1. Give Them Access to Good Veterinarian Services
Just like aging humans, aging pets get predisposed to old-age ailments that can render them immobile if undiagnosed or untreated earlier.
Some of these age-related conditions may include:
Your aging pet will require frequent veterinarian pet care services for routine checkups. For example, if you take your pet to the vet once a year, you should increase the visits as they age. This will ensure periodic health exams, laboratory tests, blood count checks, urinalysis, and parasite evaluation.
2. Ensure They Get Proper Nutrition
Malnutrition will make your aging pet even more susceptible to infection and diseases than they already are. As pets age, their capability to digest and absorb nutrients changes significantly. Therefore, ensure that your pet's supply of nutrients meets the vet-recommended levels. You can also opt for specially formulated food designed for older pets. Consult a pet care services company in case of any questions about your pet's nutrition.
3. Push Them To Exercise
As your pet ages, they'll become more inactive. In such cases, you must push your pets to be more active, as inactivity isn't healthy for pets. For example, a brief walk once a day is adequate. While focusing on physical exercise, don't forget mental exercises. For example, mental pet exercises reduce anxiety and improve your pet's mental sharpness.
4. Improve Their Environment
With age, your pet will have difficulty doing things they once achieved so easily. You'll need to make changes around your home to improve their quality of life. Some of such alterations may include:
A local pet care service can help you with these improvements if you are unsure how to implement them.
Conclusion
Be aware of your pets' increased special needs as they age and act upon them accordingly. Most importantly, go easy on your aging pet as they try to comprehend everything that comes with old age. To learn more, consult a local pet care service.
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