Aging pets often start slowing down, even when they’re doing things they love. Although older pets don’t need as much exercise as young ones, keeping them active will help them stay healthy and lengthen their lives.
Keeping an older pet active is not just about physical exercise. Pets also need mental stimulation to promote good cognitive function, as well as grooming and veterinary care. You might also need to make some changes around the house to improve accessibility, or switch your pet to a special diet.
If your pet is getting older, these seven tips will help you keep them active and healthy.
Seven Ways to Keep an Older Pet Active
As cats and dogs age, they may become slower, but that doesn’t mean they should stop all activity. Inactivity can lead to problems like muscle loss, joint pain, weight gain, and an increased risk of diseases like kidney disease and arthritis. Making sure your pet is moving their body is important in managing their weight, keeping up their cardiovascular health, and maintaining muscle mass.
1: Light Exercise
For dogs, light exercise usually takes the form of multiple short walks. Around 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times a day is ideal. Another option could be some doggy calisthenics. You don’t need to buy your four-legged friend a membership to Crossfit, but rather take them through some simple exercises that focus on their mobility and getting their heart rate up.
For our feline friends, light exercise can look like play sessions that focus on getting them to move around. Chasing a toy for a few minutes several times a day or climbing up their cat tree to reach some tasty snacks will keep them active. Another fun activity for older cats can be an easy obstacle course, where they need to hop over or maneuver around multiple objects.
2: Mental Exercise
Aging can affect your pet’s cognitive function, which may affect their ability to move efficiently. Exercises like puzzle toys, lick mats, or other mentally-stimulating activities can help them maintain their cognitive power.
3: Make Sure Your Home Is Accessible
If your pet is using all their energy to get around the house, they won’t have the stamina for physical activity. Inaccessibility can also cause injuries. Something as simple as jumping from the bed can break brittle bones, which will severely impact their health and mobility. Make sure your pet has access to the bed and couch with stairs. If you have a multi-level home ensure your pets have access to water on each level.
4: Keep Them Groomed
Things like hair mats and long nails can be painful for any pet, but senior pets may suffer even more. Painful matting in areas like the armpits and groin can make moving their legs painful, while long nails put too much pressure on the structures of their feet. The pain from problems like these can make them unwilling to move around, so make sure to keep your pet well-groomed.
5: Watch the Weather
A dog that once loved a romp through the snow might change their mind in their old age. Temperature extremes can be dangerous for pets who are very young or very old. Older pets might need a little more help regulating their temperature. You can do this by providing sweaters and boots in the winter, and cooling mats in the summer.
6: Keep An Eye on Their Diet
Senior pets often have different dietary needs than younger cats and dogs. Hydration is also an important concern. Chat with your veterinarian about switching to a senior formula of kibble, or about ways to promote hydration when they hit that senior milestone.
7: Plan Regular Veterinary Visits
Depending on your pet’s age, a yearly visit might not be enough to stay on top of changing health concerns. Medically complex pets and “super seniors” who have passed the average lifespan for their breed may need a visit every six months.
Veterinary Care That Ages Well
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we offer the very best veterinary care for pets of any age. If you are looking for exceptional care for senior pets in Gilbert, Arizona, our amazing team can help. Contact us today to make an appointment for a wellness exam with one of our knowledgeable and experienced veterinarians.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/24/24). Photo by Nadin Thirteen on Unsplash.