Enjoying our pets in their golden years is a special privilege. But as their age grows, we need to adjust our care to meet their changing needs.
Ripple has put together a guide to help you give your older pet care and comfort in their senior years.
Diet
Your pet’s digestive system, metabolism and nutritional needs change as they get older. Talk to your vet about whether any dietary modifications might be needed.
It’s important to make any adjustments in a slow transition, increasing the ratio of their usual food to the new variety over a period of time. Remember to monitor your pet for expected, or unexpected, effects of the diet change.
Activity
Over their lifetime, an active pet is a healthy pet. It’s important to help them maintain a level of exercise that meets their capabilities.
When they show signs of slowing or discomfort, it may be time to adjust their routine – speak to your vet about how you could modify their exercise to better suit them.
Just as it’s important for people to keep their minds active as they age, it’s crucial for senior pets to help prevent them from becoming senile or depressed. Don’t stop challenging your pets’ minds, developing new skills with new stimulation and lots of love and cuddles!
Check-Ups
After 7 years old, pets are considered ‘geriatric’, so it’s a good time to start scheduling regular vet visits.
This is an opportunity to talk to your vet about behavioural and physical changes which may be a normal part of aging, like vision or hearing loss, or indicative of a medical condition.
Your vet will monitor weight, appetite or thirst changes, toileting habits, signs of pain or limping, energy levels or change in mood. They’ll also watch for lumps and bumps, dental health issues and maintain their nails, which can cause problems for older pets.
The team at Ripple Aquamation has had the honour of sharing the memory of many beloved pets who have been well cared for into old age.
When you need support after losing a pet, or would like to learn more about pet aquamation, please do not hesitate to contact our professional team on 0478 782 782 or email info@rippleaquamation.com.au
