8 Vet-Approved Ways to Boost Your Senior Pets’ Health

Everything fades with time, even the energy of your beloved companion. As gray fur appears and naps grow longer, your pet enters their golden years, where they need extra love and care.

Just like we manage our health in old age, senior pet health deserves the same attention. Without it? They may grow sad, slow, or even depressed.

So, as a caring pet parent, what can you do to help? It’s really simple. Consider the following 8 vet-approved tips that will help you and your aging fur buddy stay as close as ever.

When does a pet become a “senior”?

Knowing the ways to care for your elder pets is no doubt non-negotiable. But when should you give them elderly pet care? That’s equally important.

Typically, in the case of cats, they become senior once they hit 10 years of age.

But when it comes to dogs, the answer is not a straightforward number since it depends on various factors. It’s just because different dogs are in different sizes, and larger dogs live a shorter life than the smaller breeds.

But still, according to experts, the dogs are considered senior pets when they reach the last 25% of their expected lifespan.

Also, the data from the American Kennel Club easily helps us understand the seniority period.

• Small breeds (under 20 lbs): 8 to 11 years
• Medium breeds (20–50 lbs): 8 to 10 years
• Large breeds (50–90 lbs): 8 to 9 years
• Giant breeds (90+ lbs): 6 to 7 years

How to boost your senior pets’ health?

This 8-step guide will make the life of your aging pets beautiful than ever.

1. Give them a fit life with exercise

Exercise is not just for humans; your tail-wagging friends need that, too.

For senior dogs, prefer gentler activities over intense exercise. Choose age-appropriate activities like slow strolls, swimming, and gentle games. These help preserve strength, muscle tone, and ease joint stiffness.

Do you know animals age faster than humans – about 1 human year equals 7 animal years. Surprised? That’s why staying active is even more important for them.

You can also try massage and acupressure therapy for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and bonding. Use daily gentle circular motions on the back legs and spine. Hold specific points for 30-60 seconds, twice daily.

2. Train the brain, not just the tail

Mental stimulation is another factor to consider. When growing old, pets can face cognitive decline, including Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).

To help with that, spend time with them through regular physical contact, like cuddles, eye contact, and short walks. These small moments help in two ways. Strengthen your bond as well as support their emotional and physical health.

What will you do with your child to make them smart? I bet you’ll play puzzle games at one point, right? Do the same thing for your pets. Here you can do things like sniff walks, puzzle toys, snuffle mats, shake hands, and much more.

3. Help them move around without struggle

Your pet will only live a happy life when you are well-informed about their health. That’s why, remember, your senior pets struggle with things like arthritis and stiff joints. Your job here is to create an environment that doesn’t lead to such problems.

For example, you can:

• Add carpets or non-slip mats to reduce slipping.
• Use pet stairs to help them reach beds or couches without jumping.
• Use ramps, especially for cars, so they don’t have to strain their join

4. Provide a comfortable bed

Taking care of their rest area is no exception. They need more comfort and support while resting because their joints and muscles may get stiff or sore.

Orthopedic or memory foam beds can make a big difference, as they provide joint support and help ease pressure on their bodies. Plus, you can use heated beds or heating pads, especially in colder weather, to help soothe stiffness and keep them warm.

5. Keep them cool in the heat, warm in the cold

The weather can dramatically affect your senior pets’ health since they are more sensitive to temperature changes. In winter, make sure they stay warm by using coats or sweaters when they go outside.

Similarly, in summer, help them stay cool with air conditioning, fans, shade, and access to water at all times. Hot weather can be very hard on older pets, so avoid long walks or outdoor play when it’s too hot. The same goes for freezing cold days.

Always limit outdoor time during extreme weather.

6. Adjust their diet accordingly

In the golden age, they need fewer calories because they are not as active as before. This helps prevent obesity, which can put extra strain on their aging joints.

Remember, pets are obese if they weigh 20% over the recommended weight for their breed and gender. So, check their weight and adjust their food accordingly.

Here are some things to take into account:

• Give them easier-to-digest food that is gentle on their stomach.
• Provide wet food, as it keeps your pet hydrated and is easier to chew.
• Add supplements like fish oil (but consult a vet first).

(You can also read our article on When Should I Switch my Puppy to Dog Food?)

7. Schedule grooming sessions

Grooming is not just about looks – it’s a good time to check for any lumps or bumps. Early detection is key when it comes to health issues.

Regular brushing and haircuts prevent matting, and you should also increase the frequency of nail trimming because their nails don’t wear down naturally like before.

Furthermore, many senior pets are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, which makes pet dental care even more essential. Old age means showing them more kindness. With that in mind, it’s best to handle them gently, speak in a calm voice, and consider rewarding them with a treat afterward.

8. Run the right health tests regularly

Regular check-ups help you take action before the condition worsens. To make the coming days smoother for both you and your pet, schedule the following routine tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC), which checks for infections or anemia.
• A Serum Chemistry Panel helps look at organ function, like the liver and kidneys.
• Urine tests for pets help find any signs of infection or kidney issues.

With these tests, you keep an eye on their overall health.