Consider the following common signs of aging in animals and ask yourself if your pet is experiencing any as they grow older:
Physical Changes:
- Decreased Mobility: Arthritis or joint issues can lead to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and difficulty climbing stairs or jumping.
- Reduced Vision and Hearing: Loss of sight and hearing can make it harder for pets to navigate their environment and respond to cues.
- Digestive Issues: Senior pets can experience changes in digestion, leading to issues like constipation or diarrhea.
- Dental Problems: Older pets may suffer from dental decay, gum disease, or tooth loss, affecting their ability to eat.
Cognitive Changes:
- Decreased Memory: They may forget previously learned commands or routines.
- Altered Sleep Patterns: Changes in sleep patterns, including increased nighttime wakefulness, can be common.
- Disorientation: Senior pets might get lost or confused in familiar environments.
In this blog post, we’ll explore practical and compassionate ways to modify your home to support your aging pet. The goal being that your pet feels safe, comfortable, and loved for the duration of their life. Whether your pet is dealing with joint pain, diminished vision, or you simply want to make their daily routines easier, read on for tips and insights to help you provide the best possible care for your senior pal.
Tip #1: Accessibility and Mobility
Think about what areas or objects your pet needs access to every day. Consider things like their food and water bowls, sleeping spots, their litter box, the family room couch, or a favorite toy/comfort item. For smaller items, make sure they are placed in a clutter-free area that is easily accessible from several angles. For larger items, like furniture, give your pet the opportunity to take a load off their joints and try a ramp or small set of stairs at their entry point.
Tip #2: Non-Slip Surfaces
While a little puppy losing traction on a wood floor and sliding around can be adorable, this same experience can be dangerous for a senior dog. As pets age, they can lose their steady footing and balance on wood or linoleum flooring. Try placing a runner down long stretches of slick flooring to improve your pets traction. Contemplate adding a small rug to high-use areas like where your cat jumps in and out or her litter box, or where your dog excitedly prances, awaiting his morning meal.
Tip #3: Comfortable Bedding
Give your pet’s current bed a good once-over. When was the last time you replaced it? Has it begun to lose its shape? Does it feel supportive? If you can’t remember the last time you purchased your pet’s bed, it might be time to consider getting a new one. When shopping for a new pet bed, think about the following factors:
- Size and Fit: Ensure your pet can stretch out comfortably in their bed, and make sure the sides are low enough to enter and exit the bed easily.
- Support and Comfort: Find a bed that features orthopedic padding, which can help alleviate joint pain and provide extra support.
- Durability: Consider how well the bed will hold up to chewing, scratching, or regular use. Beds made from tougher, high-quality materials tend to last longer.
Tip #4: Safety and Supervision
Do your best to pet-proof your home by removing potential hazards like electrical cords, loose shoes, or children’s toys that could cause injuries. Spend some time watching your pet and their daily routine to get an idea of any possible risks to their well-being. In conjunction with making your home safer, for extra peace of mind contemplate getting an indoor camera to keep an eye on your senior pet while you’re away. It’s an easy way to check-in on them throughout the day.
Tip #5: Environmental Enrichment
Perhaps your pet isn’t able to run as far or play as rough as they used to in their younger days, but their mind may still be very active! Offer them engaging activities like a snuffle mat, and interactive toys like treat dispensing puzzles. Make it your goal to stimulate their brains and prevent boredom, even with their reduced mobility. Continuing to interact with your pet and spend intentional time with them is key. If you used to go on 45 minute walks, and now your sweet pup can only handle 15 minutes out-and-about, spend those other 30 minutes continuing to give them attention and care, but in a less energetic manner. Your pet still loves you and wants to spend time with you, this may just look a little different as they get older.
