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Senior Pets: Keeping Them Young-at-Heart!

Thursday, August 10, 2023 | By: Cedar & Bark Photography

As your pet gets older, their bodies begin to change, and how you care for them must also change. Your pet may be slowing down with stiff joints, have a chronic health condition that requires regular check-ups, or may have a harder time getting up and down from the couch.

At Cedar & Bark Photography, we have met so many wonderful pets and have gathered many valuable tips that will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to keep your senior pet comfortable, healthy, and embracing their golden years with joy.

Let's explore these top tips that will make a world of difference in the life of your senior pet.

Couple in the woods with a senior dog, Gustavo Fring Photography, cedar and bark photography, deborah stevenson, senior dogs, exercise, health & wellness, vancouver, port coquitlam, lower mainland, photography services

Photograph by Gustavo Fring / Courtesy of pexels.com

Schedule Regular Wellness Exams

A yearly wellness exam is recommended for adult pets; however, for a senior pet (over 7 years of age), that recommendation changes to every six months, according to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. This is because senior pets have a higher incidence of chronic conditions which can change more rapidly as they age. Semi-annual exams help your vet monitor these changes and can keep your pet healthier and happier through the tailoring of any treatment plans.

A wellness exam also helps find new issues in addition to managing chronic conditions. Finding a problem, such as a new growth on the skin early, ensures it can be treated before it becomes a more serious issue.

Add in a Supplement

Most of us know about giving glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis in senior dogs, but supplements are more than just for joints. Supplements, and veterinary prescription diets, come in a variety of formulations to treat the basics, such as joint care to more serious issues, such as liver, kidney, and heart health.

Brain diets are also becoming more popular as a way to treat cognitive decline in senior pets. Your vet can help determine if your dog or cat should have a supplement added to their diet, and can ensure it does not interact with any current medications before starting.

a senior dog enjoys a walk outside, Zen Chung Photography, cedar and bark photography, deborah stevenson, senior dogs, exercise, health & wellness, vancouver, port coquitlam, lower mainland, photography services

Photograph by Zen Chung / Courtesy of pexels.com

Get Outdoors and Exercise with Your Senior Pet

Exercise is important for all pets, but especially so for senior dogs and cats. Pet obesity is a common issue in older pets, and that added weight can add extra strain and stress to the joints and bones. Pets that are overweight are also at a higher risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. By exercising them daily, you can help keep your pet at a healthy weight and keep the joints strong. Try a long nature walk with your dog, or use a laser pointer or feather toy to keep your cat in tip-top shape. 

If you're local to Vancouver, there are many beaches and trails that you can take your senior dog to enrich their exercise routine. Think about checking out a few like Blakeburn Lagoons Park, Poco Trail East Loop or Coquitlam River Walk.

Two parents with senior dog, photography by Chewy, cedar and bark photography, deborah stevenson, senior dogs, exercise, health & wellness, vancouver, port coquitlam, lower mainland, photography services

Photography by Chewy / Courtesy of pexels.com

Adjust Living Situations

As our beloved senior pets enter their golden years, it is crucial to recognize and adapt to their changing needs. Your dog may find it more challenging to navigate furniture or vehicles, while your cat might display signs of confusion or vocalization when moving around the house. 

By modifying their living environment and incorporating assistive tools, we can ensure their comfort and enable them to maintain their daily routines. Consider integrating a ramp to aid with accessing the couch or car, elevated feeding bowls for easier mealtime, or installing nightlights to enhance the visibility of walls and doorways. By proactively adjusting to your pet's requirements, you create an environment that fosters familiarity, reduces confusion, and minimizes stress, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being. 

Providing a little extra care for our senior pets goes a long way in ensuring their continued health and happiness. By implementing these above-mentioned senior pet care tips, we can extend the quality of life for our beloved companions and cherish the precious moments we share with them.

When booking your photography session with Deborah, know that your senior will be treated like one of the family on shoot day and will not be expected to 'perform' and 'pose' in a way that would cause them any distress. All our sessions reflect years of experience, professionalism and our love for dogs!

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Need some fresh ideas for activities to do with your senior pet?

Be sure to read my article Exploring Vancouver with Your Senior Dog: 6 Must-Try Activities for Unforgettable Bonding.

[The images for this blog topic were sourced from the pexels.com platform which supports international photographers by making their imagery and contact information accessible. Supporting and building a positive community for photographers everywhere is something Cedar and Bark Photography is invested in.]

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