Tips to take care of your senior pet

          Older pets require special care just like puppies require their own specific care.Some of them suffer from aching joints in their senior years while others might not be as capable of holding in their pee. 

How can you, their best friend, make this a more comfortable period for them?

          For pets with arthritis and joint issues that come with age, getting them on a joint supplement with chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid is an absolute must. These are simply supplements which help keep the joints supple. Omega oils also work in favour of keeping those old joints healthy. A lot of things are available in the market but take advice from your vet because each individual senior is different and yours might need a product more suited to him/her. 

          Elevate water and food bowls where required.

          Parents with such pets will find that getting up becomes more difficult for their pet when the weather changes, especially when winters set in (A ‘winter is coming’ far more ominous than the one in GoT). A hot water bag on the hip also helps on such tough days or when it gets absolutely impossible, pain killers can be given after consulting with a vet. You may want to say no to an air conditioner on such days (It’s cold anyway!!)

          To make walking easier, consider building ramps in your home (if you have that big a house). Or simply put mats in places where your pet frequents to give them some grip over the slippery flooring. Change your decor and install a carpet for your senior pet. They will appreciate it! And so will your guests!

          There are other alternatives also, to managing a senior pet with arthritis. Pain can be managed with a lot of other holistic modalities such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy etc. and a lot of vets in Mumbai at the moment offer these services (blog on who and where to find them, coming soon!) 

          Weight management and exercise continue being important even in their golden years. Nutrition has to be paid attention to always. A well balanced diet is a must. Older pets might need food that is softer to make it easier to chew. Especially if they are suffering from dental disease. Adding fibre to a senior pet’s diet is also a great help to ease with bowel movement. Fibre containing pet safe foods include papaya, carrots, beetroot etc.

          Short 30 minute walks will help keeping those muscles strong. Ofcourse, do not push your senior. We aren’t competing in any marathons. Pace the exercise depending on their tolerance. Getting tired very easily is a sign of a heart ailment, and if you find that happening, take that veterinary appointment.

          Sticking to a routine and exercise helps with a senior pet’s cognitive functioning as well as they get less anxious with a routine in place. Do your bit and create a schedule. You can also teach them new tricks! This will keep them mentally stimulated and fit. Spend time with them. Try and ease into introductions with new places and unfamiliar things so as to not startle your senior pet. 

          For pets with severe debilitating arthritis or spondylosis or with neurological signs where walking itself is a task, harnesses are available to help support their hindlimbs. A lot of carts/wheelchairs are also available which can be custom made to suit your pet. If you need details on where you will find these, please do mail me and I will furnish you with more information. 

          Pets with cataract and ensuing blindness, there’s good news! Mumbai has it’s own veterinary opthalmologists who routinely perform these procedures and have helped a lot of pets regain their sight! It has been astounding to see pets as old as 15yrs become so much more lively after having this procedure done. 

          Incontinence associated with seniority can be managed well with diapers. Off late, doggie diapers are also available. For cats, increase the number of litter trays and keep them in places that are more accessible. For dogs, you may want to make some space in your own home where they may feel comfortable doing their business if they can’t wait till it's time to go out.

          Dogs and cats with age related heart ailments and kidney disease etc. require their medications on time and it’s up to you to be meticulous about those. 

          Also while you are putting in those medication reminders, put a 6 monthly reminder for a wellness check up with your vet. Once your pet crosses over into their senior years, wellness checks become extremely important to identify a disease process before it becomes a problem. 

          With time, the pet industry and veterinary practice has improved with regards to senior pet care and taking care of a senior now is far easier than it used to be. We finally have a lot of means to make them more comfortable and give them the quality of life they deserve for the years of loyalty and love they keep bestowing us with. 

For details on where to go for all that has been mentioned in this blog, do get in touch either via email; vettedbydrn@gmail.com or leave a comment or follow us on Instagram @vettedbydrn to connect and get a lot more info on how to parent your pet the right way.  

The sole purpose of this blog is to educate. Share it with your friends. You never know who’s life it might change. 

For the love of greying muzzles,

Dr. N