Stay active
- Physical exercise is critical at any age, as both mobility and cardiovascular fitness are keys to longevity. Continue to take walks for exercise, but make sure to adapt your route based on your pet’s ability. If your pet is experiencing joint or muscle stiffness, you can blend gentle massages with short walks around the house to keep the joints mobile.
- Brain health is as important as physical fitness, so make sure to provide mental enrichment to aging pets. Take new routes on your walks to expose your pet to different sights and smells. If walks become challenging, try wandering the yard instead. You can also hide treats around the yard or house and encourage your pet to locate them. This provides the opportunity for discovery, which is good for the brain at any age.
Be proactive with health and nutrition
- Senior pets often have special diet and nutrition needs, and these needs can vary depending on your pet’s overall health. Whether you’re dealing with obesity or a more complex systemic imbalance, consult your veterinarian to ensure that you’re feeding your pet the right food.
- Regular vet checkups become increasingly more important as pets age, and it is recommended that senior pets see a veterinarian every 6 months. These regular checkups are key to early detection of common senior illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and liver disease.
Know the Signs
- If you notice any of the following signs, your pet may be in need of additional care: excessive itching or hair loss, changes in appetite or vomiting, incontinence or frequent urination, mouth soreness or tenderness, movement issues, or changes in activity levels. If any of these signs present themselves, see your veterinarian.
Being present for the golden years can provide some of the most rewarding moments of pet companionship. Yes, the medical costs can increase and more tender care may be required, but the bond that exists is extremely special. The end will always be inevitable, but as compassionate, attentive pet parents, we can provide a final chapter that is rich in the moments that make living worthwhile. We are their whole world.
If you are looking to welcome a senior pet into your home, visit our adoptable animals page here.
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Senior pets are often long term shelter residents. Seniors often struggle to catch the eye of an adopter, as puppies and kittens are more appealing to many. Adopting a senior is an extra gesture of kindness.
Age is just a number. Dogs and cats live for 10-15 years on average, and many live even longer than that. A “senior” pet has lots of love left to give, and many special memories are yet to be made.
Train less, enjoy more. Most adult dogs are already house-trained so you won’t have to go through the difficult stages of teaching house manners and cleaning up after accidents. Also, your shoes are probably safe since they are out of the puppy chewing stage.
Easier Introductions. Senior pets are often on the mellower side, and they can be easier to introduce to resident pets. They are also known to settle into new environments with a bit more ease.
Health problems can arise at any age. Some adopters are concerned about the health issues and expenses that can come with an older animal, but the reality is that health issues can arise at any age. When adopting an older animal, you have a better idea of what to expect, especially when adopting from the VBSPCA. All VBSPCA seniors have special bloodwork done before adoption to make sure adopters are prepared with the information they need.
It makes you feel good! You can be a hero to a deserving animal. Almost without exception, people who adopt older animals feel a special sense of pride and purpose in opening their heart to a harder-to-adopt pet. Doing a good thing really does make you feel good!
It takes a special person to adopt a pet knowing you may have a shorter amount of time together than you’d like, but adopting a senior pet is the the ultimate gift of generosity. Next time you think about welcoming a new pet into your home, consider the older animals who are just as deserving of a forever family. You’ll be the love of their life. It’s worth it.
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