Author: Jessica Brody
A pet is not simply something you get — it is a commitment. You should also know that owning a cat or dog can get expensive and that they do not stay babies forever. In the early days, your biggest costs and concerns likely revolve around vaccinations and socialization. But as they get older, you need to be ready for significant lifestyle changes that can affect your entire family.
The Geriatric Pet
Pets can be considered “old folks” by the time they are six to seven years old. That means if you get a baby and a dog the same year, your human child will barely be in first grade by the time Fido is grandpa-aged. Although it may seem like a relatively short period, this is when you need to be on the lookout for geriatric health issues. The American Veterinary Medicine Association explains that these run the gamut from diabetes and senility to heart disease and cancer.
Chances are, you’ll begin to see your veterinarian every six months instead of every year by the time your pet reaches this age, especially if you have a dog. This way, they can monitor for potential issues, and your pet can get treatment early. Unfortunately, like human medical care, pet health is an investment. Before your furry family member develops health problems, it’s a good idea to get pet health insurance. Many companies, such as Embrace, cover common illnesses and accidents as well as preventative care. Pet Life Today cautions, however, that you can’t enroll an animal after they turn 14 and there are waiting periods for coverage.
What You Can Do
Providing your pet with quality healthcare is just one thing you can do to ensure they live a happy, healthy, and long life. You’ll also want to manage their health in other ways.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do to keep your dog or cat well is to watch their diet. While gaining or losing a bit of weight is not unheard of in the senior years, excessive loss or gain may be a problem. PetCareRX lists both of these as symptoms you should not ignore.
You will also want to take steps to ensure that your animal is safe and comfortable in the home. One way to do this is by providing them with a supportive bed, many of which are marketed as orthopedic. Typically, these are beds made out of a solid piece of foam instead of shredded cotton or small particles. You can also keep them more comfortable by providing them a safe haven for when your kids or other pets get rambunctious. The American Kennel Club advocates the use of crates, for example, throughout a dog’s lifetime. This gives them a place to retreat when your primary living space becomes too much.
As your dog continues to age, your veterinarian may recommend routine medications or health supplements to help your pet maintain their vitality. Unfortunately, dogs don’t just pop a pill like we do. In fact, you may have to get a little sneaky by mixing their meds with their food or use the old Trojan horse trick (hiding it in a treat!). Whatever you do, be persistent and consistent. Even if they do not like taking medicines, just like teaching them to go to the bathroom outside, it’s best for everyone that they do.
Ultimately, your pet becomes more work with each passing year. But it is a labor of love, and you will reap more rewards with each act of kindness you give to your feline or canine companion. If you still have questions about caring for an aging animal, contact your veterinarian. They can schedule an appointment to take a quick look at your pet and provide advice to you on how to get through their senior years with their health and happiness intact.