If we could, we would never say good-bye to our pets. But the truth is that our pets age faster than we do year over year. Each year that they live is seven human years. This then should make sense that senior pets require even more attention than when they were younger. We can learn new tricks ourselves. Here are things to be monitoring at home for our pets going into their golden years.
Bi-annual or at least annual exams
Impress your veterinarian and demonstrate proactive pet ownership by requesting comprehensive blood work and even full x-rays Early detection leads to better prognosis. Most people do not realize that bloodwork can change within 12 hours.
Teeth
Common sources of bacterial harboring can lead tooth root abscesses, infections, fevers, and even internal organ inflammation and dysfunction.
Diet and Appetite
Ensure your pet is consuming a well-balanced diet based on their dental health. If your pet has been diagnosed with a chronic disease (Kidney disease, Bladder stones, Hyperthyroidism, Obesity, Dental disease, Liver disease, Pancreatitis etc.), adhere to your primary veterinarian's recommendations for a dietary change.
Tumors
Their importance arises based by their location of origin (bone, skin, spleen, heart, liver, bladder, etc.), size and type of tumor. Early detection is key. Talk to your primary veterinarian about a biopsy or other diagnostics.
Sight, Hearing and State of Mind
It is very common for our senior pets to experience a decline in eyesight, hearing, and memory, often due to diseases that may or may not be treatable. Their confusion can be most evident at night. Please provide them with nightlights and schedule an appointment with your primary veterinarian.
Weight
As our pets become seniors it is so crucial to make sure they are at a healthy body weight. Obesity not only brings musculoskeletal pain but, can also trigger lifelong diseases (Pancreatitis, Diabetes, etc.). Additionally, as our pets age, their thyroid may produce too little or too much hormone. If you notice your pet gaining weight, losing hair or being more lethargic despite no changes in diet or exercise, this should prompt a call to your veterinarian.
Pet Insurance
It is best to be prepared. As a senior pet owner expect the possibility of sudden life-threatening diseases.
Here are additional tips to improve your pets’ routine, lifestyle, or household for their comfort and well-being.
Stairs or ramps at elevated areas. Not recommended for those with sight loss. Provide a thick Tempur-Pedic bedding to prevent pressure sores that later may lead to open wounds.
Easily accessible food, water, and litter boxes to avoid stairs or long walks.
Rugs or runners to improve traction for arthritic and weak pets.
A consistent temperature in your home to keep their arthritic joints comfortable.
Consistent controlled physical activity. Make sure they do not surpass what they are comfortable or used to. This may lead to injuries.
Keep an open door with your primary veterinarian. Trust their treatment plans and recommendations to manage their chronic diseases.
As our pets become seniors it will require lifestyle stages and will require more attention to them. But they are still our pets. Engage in activities with them that create lasting memories and ensure a smooth transition to their end-of-life stage.
If you think your pet is in pain and has a declining quality of life, we encourage you to use this assessment tool.
All Pets Go To Heaven services Dallas and its cities for at-home euthanasia. Contact us if you believe is time for an at-home euthanasia for your pet. Remember that the decision to euthanize is made with love, and choosing at-home euthanasia is made with thoughtfulness.