There’s a lot more to looking after your beloved pet, than picking the right food for your dog, or making sure that you keep an indoor cat happy with plenty of toys and games. This is particularly true when your four-legged friend starts to get a little older, and his greying fur and slower gait comes with a host of new worries to think about.
Elderly pets are more likely to suffer from issues of fatigue, to problems with their bones and muscles. Additionally, there are countless illnesses that can begin to set in during the later stages of life for both dogs and cats. Of course, because we love our furry friends to bits, we want to make sure that we can continue to give them the best possible level of care, no matter their age.
Caring for your elderly pet
Usually, one of the best things that you can do for your elderly pet, is to make sure you keep an eye on him or her at all times, and focus on any issues that might begin to occur. As your pet gets older, you might find you’re making more trips to the vet than ever before, and much of the time, you won’t be able to reverse the conditions that your pooch or kitty is experiencing.
Because of this, you’ll need to think of ways to keep your pet happy and comfortable for the remainder of their golden years. Good ways to do this include:
- Talking to your vet about anything you can do to reduce the discomfort and symptoms of health problems. Remember that undiagnosed issues are most likely to cause rapid deterioration and discomfort.
- Surround your pet with as many of their favorite things as possible, including special toys and foods. At this time in their life, you simply want to make your favorite four-legged friend as happy as possible.
- Put plenty of cushioning in their bed. Remember that pressure sores can often develop on pets with limited mobility, so it’s a good idea to make sure you provide a warm sleeping spot that offers plenty of comfort and padding.
Knowing when to let go
No one wants to think about a time when they have to let go of their pet. Unfortunately, constant trips to the vet can eventually add up, and even if you can afford the costs, you need to think about what’s best for your dog or cat. Euthanasia can provide a painless and peaceful end for a pet that is suffering. Your vet should be able to give you advice about whether euthanasia is essential for your pet, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when dealing with this difficult time.
To help you move on in a healthy way, you can consider pet burial or cremation, so that you always have something to remember your beloved four-legged friend by.
Loving an elderly pet
Loving an elderly pet can be difficult, because you know your time with them is limited; however, it’s important to focus on the good times and memories that you’ve built with your furry friend, and do your best to care for your pet all the way through their senior years. Remember, you’ve given your pet a wonderful life, and they’ve given you years of love in return.