Sometimes, it feels like one day we welcome little kitties or new puppies into our homes, and the next day we have senior family pets to look after. Your pets will need more attention and time from you when they age.
It depends on you to step up and provide your senior family pets the love and care they should have for being by your side daily. Whatever it takes, though, all fur parents will give a lot to extend the lives of their fur babies.
How Old Are Senior Dogs and Cats?
Dogs and cats age faster than humans because of genetics, metabolic processes, and how hard their bodies work. Growth and maturity might even be quicker for some breeds. Growing teeth and sexual maturity even happen in the very first year of their lives. Their physical and intellectual development is even quicker throughout 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 people, pets weaken. They start to lose energy, and their sense of sight and hearing can deteriorate. 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 lumps on their skin. Behavioral issues might even occur as some pets may experience discomfort or depression.
What Can We Do for Our Senior Pets?
To decrease the burden of old age and other health concerns, consider the following tips to assist your senior friend.
Regular Health Check
An adult pet must go to the vet a minimum of once a year, but a senior 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 addressed rapidly. Visit DenverVet.com for more information about health checks.
Treatments or Therapy
You should ensure that your pets get the treatment and medication they need when advised. Vitamins and parasite prevention meds should be given regularly to keep them strong and clear of danger from the pests.
Some senior pets who are sick might require experts like oncologists or ophthalmologists. These vet experts may advise surgical treatment, chemotherapy, cold laser therapy for dogs and cats, etc.
Healthy and Well-Balanced Diet
Your vets will help you figure this out depending on your pet’s concerns. Some family pets require specific kibbles, some need to have more fiber, and some might even need raw or gently cooked food. We must offer whatever they need to consume to guarantee they get the best nutrition possible.
Grooming
It is very important to keep our senior family pets tidy and well-groomed. Groomers, particularly those who work in veterinary hospitals, will have the ability to see and tell you if problems exist in your pet. It is best to find cat and dog grooming services that can cater to senior pets. They are more mindful of handling pets in pain or those with behavioral problems due to changes in their bodies.
The Takeaway
Most importantly, providing more time and attention to senior pets is best. As quickly as they age, you should be more familiar with their bodies and behavior changes. When you are attentive and see these instantly, you might be extending your cuddly pal’s life. Understanding how to care for them will give you more time to be with them.