Loving an Older Pet Care of a Senior Dog or Cat Dr Marty Becker
Loving an Older Pet - Care of a Senior Dog or Cat - Dr. Marty Becker Pets
Tamzin Roberts/Getty Images Older dogs should get veterinary checkups twice a year. About 45 million dogs and cats — roughly 25 percent of the pet population — have reached senior status. And as they age, their metabolisms slow down and bone densities decrease. But thanks to advances in veterinary medicine — especially in treating pain and in administering anesthesia — senior pets diagnosed with arthritis, urinary incontinence and even cancer are getting a fighting chance at high-quality lives. Here are some ways you can make the senior years happy and comfortable for your pet: Give 'em a nice place to nap. Older pets spend more time snoozing — up to 16 hours a day. Treat them to cushioned, egg-crate-type padded beds and pet-safe heating elements to soothe their arthritic joints, especially during cold months. Don't be fooled by food labels. There is no legal meaning for "senior" formula pet food — it is a marketing term. Instead, work closely with your veterinarian to select food that matches your aging pet's activity level, breed and health condition. For example, some couch-lounging senior dogs need foods high in fiber and low in calorie density to cope with their slowing metabolisms. Some senior cats may be contending with brain changes that lessen their appetite. Re-spark their interest at meal time by warming their food in the microwave for a few seconds to release the aroma and or add salt-free chicken broth to their dry food.
Loving an Older Pet
5 ways to make sure your pet stays healthy and happy as he ages
No doubt about it: Puppies are adorable and kittens are certainly cute. But to me, nothing symbolizes deep, loyal love better than a gray-muzzled dog playing a slowed-down game of fetch or a clouded-eye cat nimbly navigating onto a lap and launching into a purr serenade. See also:Tamzin Roberts/Getty Images Older dogs should get veterinary checkups twice a year. About 45 million dogs and cats — roughly 25 percent of the pet population — have reached senior status. And as they age, their metabolisms slow down and bone densities decrease. But thanks to advances in veterinary medicine — especially in treating pain and in administering anesthesia — senior pets diagnosed with arthritis, urinary incontinence and even cancer are getting a fighting chance at high-quality lives. Here are some ways you can make the senior years happy and comfortable for your pet: Give 'em a nice place to nap. Older pets spend more time snoozing — up to 16 hours a day. Treat them to cushioned, egg-crate-type padded beds and pet-safe heating elements to soothe their arthritic joints, especially during cold months. Don't be fooled by food labels. There is no legal meaning for "senior" formula pet food — it is a marketing term. Instead, work closely with your veterinarian to select food that matches your aging pet's activity level, breed and health condition. For example, some couch-lounging senior dogs need foods high in fiber and low in calorie density to cope with their slowing metabolisms. Some senior cats may be contending with brain changes that lessen their appetite. Re-spark their interest at meal time by warming their food in the microwave for a few seconds to release the aroma and or add salt-free chicken broth to their dry food.