Did you know that November is Senior Pet Month? That’s a whole month dedicated to raising awareness of the care and requirements your pet needs to help live out their golden years healthily and happily.
You don’t need us to tell you that as our dogs and cats age, their needs change, but how do you know when your pet reaches their senior years? And what can you do to support your pooch or feline, keeping them comfortable and content? Let’s find out!
Becoming a senior
Generally speaking, dogs over seven should be considered senior (although this will differ slightly depending on breeding), whereas cats aren’t thought of as senior until around eleven years of age.
Just like us, as our pets age they have a greater risk of developing joint pain and dental diseases, and they can become weaker and more vulnerable to infections. Some senior pets may slow down, being less keen to exercise and more prone to putting on weight. Or you may notice your pet’s mood change as they become, dare we say, grumpier! That said, some dogs and cats will grow old gracefully… there’s no set rule book to getting older as we all know, but as a responsible pet owner, here’s how you can look after your dog or cat in their senior years…
Diet
Good nutrition is important at any age, but there are a variety of food options available to support senior dogs and cats that include highly digestible protein sources, Omega 3 supplements and many more vitamins and minerals.
For senior dogs, #RookesRecommends Seven dog food – a fresh, nutritious range of grain-free pet food available in a variety of flavours including a trout and salmon mix, and a delicious turkey recipe too! Seven senior dog food is packed with Omega 3 and 6, and is free from grains and gluten too (perfect for senior dogs with sensitivities or allergies). Seven senior dog food is a complete solution and is naturally hypo-allergenic with no added artificial flavours, colours or preservatives – it’s a delicious yet healthy meal for your dog with added vitamins and minerals (including glucosamine, MSM and glucosamine) to help with cognitive function, visual health and joint support.
For cats in their ‘twilight years,’ #RookesRecommends Royal Canin Ageing 12 cat food which has been specially formulated for cats over 12 years of age to help them maintain their zest for life and vitality. Low energy and phosphorus levels in the recipe help your cat to maintain a healthy weight whilst promoting good kidney function too. Consisting of delicious pieces of food with a unique texture that help to stimulate your older cat’s appetite, Royal Canin Ageing 12 cat food is available in both wet and dry recipes.
Caring for your pets’ joints
As our pets grow older they might become less active causing them to gain weight, putting stress on their body and joints, leading to stiffness and difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying position, limping, trembling or tenderness when walking, trouble climbing stairs or jumping up onto the sofa, or less interest in going for walks or playtime.
It’s important to ensure your dog or cat’s food is suited to their lifestyle – like we mentioned earlier, good nutrition is important at any age, but there are a variety of diet options available specifically formulated to support the needs of ageing pets. That said, should your canine companion or furry feline need a little extra support when it comes to their joints, there are a variety of products available that you can give to your dog or cat to restore the cartilage in their joints, reduce inflammation in the body and promote fitness and vitality. Why not try:
- Beaphar Joint Tablets to help your pet stay agile and keep their movement pain-free.
- Butcher’s Dog Treats (Joints & Coat) – nourishing and delicious!
- YuMOVE Cat Joint Support – triple action joint supplement for cats who are stiff and/or getting older.
Key considerations for dental care in senior pets
Regular dental care is important throughout your pet’s life, but especially for seniors. A common dental problem in both dogs and cats is tartar (a build-up of plaque). Tartar, easily identified by its yellow or brown colouring on the teeth, and it can have a lot of negative results including bad breath and inflammation which can lead to various nasty dental diseases.
Brushing your dog’s or cat’s teeth is an effective way to reduce dental plaque and maintain long-term oral health, however this task is easier said than done! That’s why #RookesRecommends a variety of dental care products for your pets in the form of chews, toys and tablets, including:
- Whimzees Dental Dog Chews – an edible, vegetarian and grain-free dental chew that is a healthy option for dogs (including those with sensitivities).
- Purina Dentalife treats – available for both dogs and cats, and significantly proven to reduce tartar build-up.
- KONG Dental with Rope toy – designed to support an instinctual need to chew while having the added benefit of teeth cleaning.
Exercise: finding the balance
Your senior dog or cat may be slowing down, but that doesn’t mean they should spend their days asleep. Exercise is still critical to keeping your aging pet healthy, both physically and mentally. They may not be able to go for lengthy adventures anymore, but shorter walks are still a good idea.
When exercising your senior dog, stick to short intervals that won’t wear them out too quickly, taking the time to let your pooch sniff around without rushing them. #RookesRecommends a little and often approach when it comes to ‘walkies’ or you could try a quick 10 minute playtime each day.
Cats however are far more independent creatures and some may need a little more convincing when it comes to exercising especially if they are older and arthritic. However, by tricking a senior cat into playing with you, they’ll get the daily activity they need in quick spurts around the home.
Other considerations your senior pet will appreciate
- If your pet enjoys travelling with you in the car, there’s no need to stop this bonding experience between you just because they’re getting older. Instead, why not source a ramp for bigger dogs (available in our Spalding store) leading into your boot, and for smaller dogs it’s best to pick them up so they don’t strain their little legs by jumping up or down.
- New toys should spark your senior pet’s interest, supporting mental stimulation and cognitive function. Stuffed toys are a great choice for both senior dogs and cats – they may not have a lot of energy anymore and they might also struggle biting or chasing things, so #RookesRecommends a stuffed Senior Kong.
- Your ageing pet may not drink as much as they used to in their younger days so it’s important to keep an eye on this to avoid the risk of dehydration. If you are concerned that your pet isn’t drinking (or eating) enough then contact your vet.
As our pets age they’ll look to us for additional support and comfort, that’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs of old age and have the know-how to help. All of the products mentioned in this blog are available in our High Street store, and our friendly team are on hand to answer your questions. And for expert advice around the wellbeing of your senior pet, always contact your vet.