In some cases, it seems like one day we welcome little kitties or new puppies into our homes, and the next day we have senior pets to take care of. Your pets will require more attention and time from you when they grow older.
It depends on you to step up and provide your senior family pets the love and care they are worthy of for being by your side every day. Whatever it takes, though, all fur parents will give a lot to prolong the lives of their fur babies.
How Old Are Senior Dogs and Cats?
Dogs and cats age quicker than humans because of genetics, metabolic processes, and how hard their bodies work. Growth and maturity might even be faster for some breeds. Growing teeth and sexual maturity even occur in the 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.
Old age varies depending upon species and size. Cats are considered senior at eleven years of age, the same as small breed dogs. Some large breed dogs can be considered seniors at six to seven years of age.
What Happens to Senior Dogs and Cats?
Like humans, pets weaken. They start to lose energy, and their sense of sight and hearing can weaken. Their internal organs, bones, and joints end up being weak. This weakness may lead to diabetes, thyroid issues, arthritis, and often cancer.
Senior pets’ fur may thin or get lighter, and some might develop bumps and lumps on their skin. Behavioral problems might even occur as some pets may experience pain or depression.
What Can We Do for Our Senior Pets?
To minimize the burden of old age and other health concerns, think about the following tips to help your senior buddy.
Routine Wellness Check
An adult pet must go to the vet a minimum of once a year. However, an elderly pet ought to be taken for checkups at least twice a year. Remember, they age quicker than you, so any indications of health issues must be addressed quickly. This Denver animal hospital welcomes senior pets for their bi-annual wellness checkups.
Treatments or Therapy
You should ascertain that your pets get the treatment and medication they require when advised. Vitamins and parasite prevention medications ought to be provided regularly to keep them strong and clear of risk from the pests.
Some senior pets who are sick may need veterinary oncology specialists or ophthalmologists. These vet experts might recommend surgery, chemotherapy, cold laser therapy, and so on.
Healthy and Well-Balanced Diet
Your veterinarians will help you figure this out depending on your pet’s concerns. Some animals need specific kibbles, some need to have more fiber, and some may even need raw or carefully cooked food. We should supply whatever they have to consume to guarantee they get the best nutrition possible.
Grooming
It is vital to keep our senior family pets clean and well-groomed. Groomers, specifically those who work in veterinarian health centers, will have the ability to see and tell you if problems exist in your pet. Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital has groomers who can work on senior pets. They are more mindful of handling pets in pain or those with behavioral issues due to changes in their bodies.
The Takeaway
Most importantly, providing more time and attention to senior pets is optimal. As quickly as they age, you must be more familiar with changes in their bodies and actions. When you are attentive and see these instantly, you might be extending your cuddly pal’s life. Knowing how to care for them will give you more time to be with them.
