Caring for older pets

Just like humans, retirement years for our pets should be relaxed and enjoyable. Showing your beloved, older pet just how much you care, with regular veterinary check ups and daily care, will mean your senior dog or cat can still experience a very healthy and happy life.

How do you know when you have older pet?  Old age in pets does vary between cats and dogs, and breeds.  Small dogs and cats are generally considered mature age from 7 years, however some larger breed dogs are mature age from when they are 6 years old.

Common signs your pet is aging

Just like humans, some dogs and cats will age more gracefully than others as their senses eventually start to deteriorate, leading to impaired vision and hearing, as well as poor grooming and symptoms of pain.

Some obvious changes that you will notice as your pet gets older include: 

• Changes in their behaviour.
• Going grey around face and muzzle.
• Poor coat condition.
• Energy levels may decrease.
• Stiffness in the joints and difficulty getting up after lying down.
• A reluctance to run and play.
• Deafness & blindness.
• Sleeping more.

READ MORE: Caring for older cats

Regular monitoring of your older pet’s joints and weight are important, as older pets, especially large dogs, are vulnerable to arthritis and other joint diseases, and some of the signs of arthritis often are similar to signs of normal aging.  If you’re not sure, make sure you contact your vet for advice.

 

Related Products:

• PAW Senior Vitality
  A tasty powder containing a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help support brain, eye and immune health in senior dogs.
• PAW Osteosupport® Joint Care Powder for Dogs
  Commonly dogs requiring nutritional supplementation also require assistance because of age related problems, particularly arthritis. PAW Osteosupport for Dogs is clinically proven, using Perna128® Green Lipped Mussel, to provide fast, effective relief from arthritic symptoms. This highly palatable green lipped mussel powder provides advanced care and comes in an easy to administer measured capsule dose.
• PAW DigestiCare 60®
  A multi-strain, multi-species probiotic and wholefood powder for the maintenance of everyday digestive health of dogs, cats and other companion animals.