Life after age seven
(NC)-Like many finer things in life, pet owners might argue that their four-legged friends only get better with age. However, as pets grow older, their owners cannot ignore their changing needs.
"As animals mature, their bodies change," says Dr. Clayton MacKay, Director of Veterinary Affairs at Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada. "It's up to the pet owner to help accommodate these changes. Even the smallest adjustments to a pet's daily routine can make a world of difference."
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Dr. MacKay highlights the following considerations to ensure mature pets age gracefully.
1. Sleeping areas: As pets grow older and become less mobile, consider where they sleep. If their bed is upstairs, perhaps move it downstairs before the hike becomes too difficult.
2. Car Trips: While in a moving car, balance becomes more difficult for pets over seven years old. Create a secure place in the back of the vehicle to ensure stability for them.
3. Feeding strategies: As pets age, their eating habits and dietary needs change. Some pets may become picky eaters as they mature due to a lost sense of taste and smell. Try feeding pets smaller meals more frequently. Adding warm water to food may also help stimulate their senses and improve appetite.
Many pet foods, such as Hill's® Prescription Diet® and Science Diet® offer a variety of formulas specifically designed to give the right level of nutrition needed by your mature adult pets. Check with a veterinarian to see what feeding plan best suits your cat or dog.
4. Maintenance: Regular checkups with a veterinarian become increasingly important as a pet grows older. Schedule appointments in advance to ensure your pet is getting the proper care and medical attention they need. Regular checkups help prevent long term health issues and also aid in early detection of potential health problems.
5. Visitors: As pets mature, they may be less tolerant to strangers or visitors in the home. Create a comfortable place for your pet away from main areas of the house where people visit. This will keep both your pet and house guests happy and safe.
Talk to your vet to identify other lifestyle changes and nutrition plans that can be improved or modified to suit your pet's specific needs. This will ensure your pets are happy and healthy as they enter their golden years.
- News Canada