November is Senior Pet Month, a time to reflect on the unconditional love and companionship your pet has brought to your life. To show your pet your gratitude for all they have contributed during your time together, November is the perfect time to adopt new ways to support them during their golden years.
Senior Pets and Mobility Challenges
With age comes mobility troubles, achy joints, and more time spent relaxing. That’s why it’s important to assess your pet’s home environment as they enter their senior years. Stairs, high platforms, and sleek flooring can pose significant challenges for an aging pet.
Revamping Your Pet’s Home Environment
This Senior Pet Month, think of ways you can revamp your home to accommodate your pet’s senior needs. Some of our favorite adjustments include:
- Placing carpets down on sleek flooring to facilitate movement and prevent slips.
- Adding ramps or steps to help your pet access various surfaces without difficulty.
- Replacing their bedding with an orthopedic cushion to soothe their joints.
- Ensuring their food and water are placed in an accessible location.
- Purchasing a specialized support harness to lift your pet without causing harm.
Nurturing Your Pet’s Needs
As pets age, once simple tasks, such as grooming and using the potty in the appropriate place can become challenging. To mitigate hygiene concerns, infections, illness, and mess in your home, it’s time to adopt new ways to nurture your pet’s evolving needs. We recommend creating a checklist that includes the following:
- Wash and dry your pet regularly to avoid urine scald and infections.
- Place potty pads in an easy-to-access area of your home.
- Replace your cat’s litter box with a wider, and lower litter box to limit accidents.
- Brush your pet regularly to deter matted fur.
- Trim your pet’s nails often.
Veterinary Care
Veterinary care is crucial for pets of all ages. However, as health begins to decline with age, routine veterinary appointments become increasingly important for senior pets. Be mindful of changes in your pet and schedule regular check-ups to monitor their health and satisfy their vaccination requirements.
Enhance your senior pet care routine today by contacting your trusted veterinarian to schedule a check-up for your pet.