|
|
|
As senior pets continue to age, it’s important to develop a thoughtful approach to their health and well-being to ensure their utmost comfort and happiness. Being mindful of their day-to-day diet, activity, and quality of life can enhance their well-being and even maximize their lifespan.
|
|
Mental Health - Adapting Play:
All pets require different amounts and forms of love, companionship, and stimulation for optimal mental and physical well-being. As your pets age, they may become less mobile and more physically restful, and it may be important to introduce new approaches to their mental well-being as walks and playtime slow down. Pack healthy treats into a puzzle toy for a fun & enticing brainteaser that is ideal for senior or mobility-impaired pets. For cats, try the CatIt Puzzle Feeder Toy. For dogs, we recommend Kong’s Senior Dog Toy, specialized for aging teeth & gums, or the PawzNDogs Snuffle Mat with their favourite treat or kibble.
|
| |
|
Mental Health - Supporting Through Changes:
If you notice your pet is not engaging or responding the way they used to, there could be a lot of factors at play. Aging pets often experience heightened stress and confusion surrounding changes in their family & environment, on top of the changes age brings to their bodies. For example, if a beloved family member changes work hours or goes off to college, or your pet begins to experience vision or hearing loss, they can develop anxiety that can severely impact their overall quality of life. If you think it could help, talk to your veterinarian about options for anxiety medications for your cat or dog which you can fulfill through our prescription service, or explore herbal options like NaturPet BeCalm to naturally support anxious senior animals.
|
|
Diet and Food:
Senior pets require a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to optimize their gut health and proactively deter age-related disease and illness. As pets get older, it’s important to keep in mind the changing structure of their digestive system and to choose foods that are nutrient-dense, highly absorbable, and easy for them to digest. If your senior pet has a low appetite, difficulty eating, or just needs a nutrition boost, we recommend the PetAg Vitamin & Mineral Gel for Cats or the VetriScience Senior Multivitamin Chews for Dogs. In addition to multi-vitamin support, targeted mobility supplements such as 4Cyte Dog & Cat, a propriety formula joint-health powder with potent marine concentrates, and Missing Link Original Hip and Joint Powder for Dogs are a great choice for senior animals.
|
| |
|
Skin & Coat Care:
Aging can affect the skin and coat of animals just like the changes to human’s scalp & hair. Thinning hair and dryness can make your pet’s skin more vulnerable as they age. Hot Spots, rashes, eczema, and irritated skin are common conditions that can be addressed both topically and internally. Dr. Maggie’s Skin Care Ointment gives up to four hours of relief from itching in a non-toxic, anti-septic formula for rashes, eczema, insect bites, hot spots, and, minor cuts or scrapes. For interna, supplemental support, we recommend HomeoVet Skinvet, a liquid formula that is easily administered to water for long-term maintenance or short-term therapeutic use. When it comes to regular grooming, Pampered Pooch Extra Sensitive Care Shampoo is a great option for senior pets as it is a very gentle, PH-balanced formula. Grooming tools such as the Baxter and Bella Self-Clean Deshedder helps to remove dead skin cells, detangle the fur, and is gentle on the skin.
|
| |
|
Dental Hygiene:
As pets age, it is important to take care of their dental hygiene more than ever. Adequate dental care is important to prevent diseases such as gingivitis, periodontal disease and gum disease. Brushing your pets’ teeth daily will majorly help common dental issues and options likeFresh N Clean Soothing & Sensitive Waterless Wash are ideal for senior dogs that have sensitive gums and teeth, providing a more comfortable and stress-free brushing experience. Chews are another great choice to provide easy dental hygiene for your pets. The Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews helps to reduce bacteria and plaque build-up, while offering a great bacon flavor.
|
| |
|
Overall Monitoring: Bathroom Breaks
Changes in your pet’s bathroom habits and excrement can provide early insight into any potential health issues. In dogs, watch for signs like constipation, infrequent urination, or irregular poops. For those pets that do drink enough water, you can consider adding OmegaAlpha KidneyTone to support kidney health in both dogs and cats. Cats in particular are prone to dehydration and kidney issues, especially with ageing, so focusing in on their urinary wellness is key. To promote adequate hydration in senior cats, you can also include the Purina ProPlan Hydration Supplement. For those that really want to know what’s going on in their cat’s urinary system, we recommend the CheckUp Wellness Litter + Testing Kit, which can be used intermittently at-home with instant results to screen for health and wellness indicators that appear in your cat’s urine.
|
| |
|
Senior pets deserve a mindfully developed, personalized approach to their health and wellness to ensure the best wellbeing and happiness for them. We hope this guide can help you feel confident making informed choices for your senior pets - please feel free to reach out to our customer care team for advice, and get your questions answered. Pets Drug Mart is here to support you & your pet through all stages of life, with fairly-priced medications or natural treats and supplements, so that they can live a long, happy and
|
|
|
