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Getting older means some significant changes for your pet. As a conscientious and loving owner, you will undoubtedly want to make sure that your pet remains healthy and happy for as long as possible. To help you do this, we have put together some of our favorite tips for caring for senior pets. 
 

Visit your veterinarian regularly

Many owners think that vet visits are only needed when animals are sick. However, regular check-ups give your vet the opportunity to closely monitor your pet’s health – something which is extremely important as they get older. These appointments could enable them to detect a problem early and start treatment promptly, which could drastically improve their outcome. Ask your vet how often they would like to see your pet and stick to this recommended schedule of appointments.
 

Move them onto a senior diet

Our pet’s nutritional requirements change with age. Once animals reach their senior years, they need less food to sustain them since they won’t be moving around as much. Many senior pets start to experience problems with their teeth, and this can mean that they need to switch to a soft-food diet so that they aren’t in any pain. Similarly, some older pets develop health problems that will benefit from following a specific diet. Your vet will be able to advice you what your pet should be eating.
 

Mind their weight

Our animals naturally start to slow down once they reach their senior years. Since they aren’t burning as many calories, they don’t need as much food to sustain them. Overfeeding and giving too many treats can lead to your pet gaining weight – something which could increase their risk of serious health problems including diabetes and heart disease. Added weight can also put extra strain on their joints, which may start to be affected by age-related arthritis.
 

Don’t overlook their preventative medications

Preventative care is important at all ages, not just when your pet is young. In fact, animals are more vulnerable to infectious diseases when they are older their immune system becomes less effective. This means it is important not to let your pet’s parasite protection and other preventative medications lapse. Your vet will be able to advise you which preventatives will be best suited to your animal during their senior years.
 

Adapt their exercise

Getting sufficient exercise is still important as your pet ages as it will help to preserve their muscle tone and keep their bones and joints strong. However, animals are rarely as energetic and mobile as they once were, so it is crucial that you adapt the exercise that you offer so that it is manageable and fun for them, without causing them any pain or other problems.
 

Look out for signs of illness

Animals are naturally adept at masking symptoms of illness and often signs can be so subtle that they are easily overlooked. In most instances, if your pet is sick, they will start to display unusual behaviors – such as hiding, not wanting to play, persistently grooming the same area of their body, or not wanting to eat. Look out for anything unusual as it may be an indication that you should speak to your vet.  
 

Make your home senior-pet friendly

Many older pets suffer from health issues such as arthritis – a condition which can make it tricky for them to move around. Similarly, your pet’s eyesight may start to deteriorate which can make it harder to them to get around the house safely. You can help by adapting their environment to make life easier for them, such as by relocating their water bowl nearer their bed so that they don’t have as far to travel to get a drink, installing ramps if their joints are making them uncomfortable or clearing away clutter to prevent them hurting themselves.

If you would like more top tips on how to care for senior pets, our experienced team would be happy to help. Please contact Bergen County Veterinary Center at (201) 205-2500 to speak to us or to schedule an appointment.