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Senior Pet Care: Tips for Keeping Older Pets Healthy

As pets age, their care needs evolve just like ours do. Older pets often face unique health challenges, requiring extra attention, adjustments in lifestyle, and specific preventive care. At Bergen County Veterinary Center, we’re dedicated to helping you give your senior pet the best quality of life. Here are some key tips for keeping your furry friend happy and healthy well into their golden years.

Schedule Regular Veterinary Checkups

Regular checkups are essential as pets age. Senior pets are more susceptible to conditions like arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart issues, which may go unnoticed without routine exams. We recommend at least twice-yearly visits for older pets. Early detection allows for timely intervention and can make a big difference in managing chronic conditions.

Watch Their Diet and Weight

Older pets have different dietary needs than younger ones. Consult your veterinarian about the best diet to support your pet’s health. Low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods can help maintain a healthy weight, reducing strain on aging joints and preventing other health complications. Consider adding supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, to support joint and coat health, but always check with your vet before making changes to their diet.

Provide Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Exercise is crucial, even for senior pets, as it helps maintain muscle mass, joint mobility, and overall health. Keep exercise sessions short but consistent, focusing on low-impact activities like gentle walks or games that encourage movement without straining their joints. Additionally, mental stimulation is important—puzzle toys, obedience training, and social interactions can keep your pet’s mind sharp and engaged.

Address Mobility Issues

Aging pets may experience joint pain, arthritis, or general stiffness. Simple modifications, like adding ramps, pet stairs, or orthopedic bedding, can make a big difference. Regular, gentle exercise and joint supplements can help improve mobility, while treatments such as physical therapy or laser therapy may be recommended for more severe cases.

Monitor for Behavioral Changes

Changes in behavior can be a sign of underlying health issues. If your pet becomes more withdrawn, starts acting anxious, or displays unusual habits, these may indicate pain, cognitive decline, or sensory loss. Report any behavioral changes to your veterinarian, who can assess whether further action is needed.

Take Care of Their Dental Health

Dental health is often overlooked, yet it’s vital for senior pets. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to infections, tooth loss, and even heart or kidney disease. Regular cleanings and daily brushing at home can significantly improve your pet’s oral health. Talk to your vet about the best dental care routine for your senior pet.

Provide a Comfortable Environment

Senior pets may become more sensitive to temperature, so ensure they have a warm, cozy space to rest in colder months and access to cool, shaded areas during summer. Soft bedding can help cushion aging joints, and a quiet, familiar space may help them feel more secure if they’re dealing with sensory decline or cognitive changes.

Watch for Signs of Pain or Discomfort

Since pets tend to hide pain, stay alert for signs such as limping, reduced activity, changes in posture, or difficulty getting up. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian to discuss potential pain management options, like supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, or therapies.

Keep Up with Vaccinations and Preventive Care

Older pets are still susceptible to parasites, infections, and diseases. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm treatments is essential. A weakened immune system can make senior pets more vulnerable, so proactive prevention is key.

Show Extra Love and Patience

As your pet ages, they may need a little extra patience and love. Older pets can become more set in their ways, experience lapses in house training, or lose some of their youthful energy. Show them kindness, offer comfort, and cherish every moment spent with them.

Keeping Your Senior Pet Healthy and Happy with Expert Care

We’re here to support your pet’s health at every stage of life. If you have any concerns about your senior pet’s well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure they enjoy a happy, comfortable, and healthy life well into their senior years.

Schedule a wellness checkup at Bergen County Veterinary Center to give your pet the best support in their golden years. Visit our office in Waldwick, New Jersey, or call (201) 205-2500 to book an appointment today.