You may have noticed your senior pet slowing down and not moving about as quickly as they used to. There are a number of conditions that are more likely to affect older pets such as arthritis, dementia, incontinence, vision and hearing loss.
As your pet ages, they may find it increasingly difficult to navigate your home. Making a few simple adjustments to your home can make your senior pet more comfortable and safer during their senior years.
Remember: pay attention to your senior pet’s health and let your vet know of any changes or concerns you have as your observation may help prevent any minor problems becoming more serious.
Comfortable bedding
Your senior pet needs a soft bed in a warm place, away from drafts. Consider bedding with extra padding that allows your pet to distribute their weight evenly, whilst providing firm comfortable support. Consider investing in an orthopaedic pet bed if they have joint ailments.
For cats, make sure their bedding is positioned for easy access. Cats love to jump up high and get an elevated perspective of the world. However, as they age, they may not be able to climb and leap as high as they used to. Watch as your pet navigates and relaxes around your home to determine the best position for their bedding.
Make sure their litter box is accessible
Older cats with joint issues may struggle to jump in their litter box due to the discomfort it creates. Offering a litter box with a ramp or lowered points of entry can make it easier for your cat to access the toilet.
Easy access to food and water
Senior pets may start having trouble accessing their food and water bowls due to neck discomfort when leaning down. Place food and water bowls up a bit higher, so they don’t need to bend their neck. There are also a wide variety of pet dishes available that can be adjusted to fit your pet’s height.
Remove potential hazards
Watch your pet navigate your home and work towards improving any areas that are difficult or potential hazards. This is especially important for vision impaired pets. You can crouch down to your pet’s vision level to get a closer look. Consider cushioned guards for tables and furniture with sharp corners. Remove any tripping hazards or obstacles your pet could bump into and keep your pet in mind if you need to move furniture around.
Pet gates can be useful
If you have a vision impaired pet or a senior pet with mobility issues it may be worth considering a pet gate to block off stairs to avoid risk of falling or injury. You may also decide to close doors or use pet gates to prevent access to rooms that are potential hazards.
Improve traction on slippery floors
Some senior pets can have a difficult time walking on tiled or hardwood floors. To improve traction, you can add carpet runners or rugs. This can give them a safe and secure path to move around. You can also place easy grip surfaces on stairs.
Invest in pet ramps
Pet ramps or portable steps can make your senior pet’s life easier by allowing them to access various places throughout your home without putting too much strain on their joints. Pet ramps and portable steps can help your pet go upstairs, get into the car, onto the bed or even up to your lap. There are a range of sizes, colours and styles available, including outdoor options too.
Look for ramps with a gentle slope and non-slip surface. If you are using the ramp for various spaces throughout your home, look for one that is lightweight enough to move around. A fold-up option can also offer added convenience and portability.
If considering portable steps, check the specifications to make sure they are suitable for the size of your pet. Consider the depth and width of each step, the overall size, the bottom grip and non-slip surface when making your decision.
Preventative health care
As your pet ages, preventative healthcare is critical. This includes yearly vaccinations, parasite control and regular visits to the vet. Twice yearly health checks are recommended for senior pets to ensure early detection and treatment of disease.
Just like humans, there are a number of diseases that are more likely to affect older pets. These can include arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer and dementia.
Keep an eye on your pet’s overall health and behaviour and talk to your vet if you notice any changes.
Having a senior pet can be very rewarding. As they age it’s important to make some adjustments to your home to keep them comfortable and safe. It is also important to pay attention to your senior pet’s health. Please speak to one of our vets if you notice any changes or have any concerns or questions about your senior pet.