Age is not a disease, but it can bring discomfort and pain to pets, especially when accompanied by disease. Fortunately, there are several ways to provide comfort to aging cats and dogs.
Recognition
Bringing comfort to aging cats and dogs begins with recognizing the need. Changes in aging pets may be subtle at first. Cats and dogs display physical and behavioral changes as ways of communication or reaction. Observe changes and speak with your veterinarian to rule out health issues. Avoid punishment.
Orthopedic bedding and soft blankets
Dogs and cats should have comfortable spots to nestle their bodies. Soft blankets and orthopedic bedding can provide comfort, warmth, and take pressure off aging joints. Give them quiet spaces to retreat in which they feel safe and undisturbed.
Nonslip floor surfaces
Pets can become unstable on non-carpeted floors, leading to falls and injuries. Placing rugs, runners, and rubber-backed mats in areas pets frequent can reduce risk and help dogs and cats move around more easily.
Low-impact exercise
For continued mobility, immunity, and weight management, exercise is important as pets age. Speak with your pet’s veterinarian about appropriate levels of exercise. Exercise can be made more comfortable for seniors with some simple adjustments.
Take dogs on slower or shorter walks and walk on grassy areas when available. Incorporate low-impact exercises such as swimming or low-to-the-ground fetch on nonslip surfaces. For cats, keep play gentle and low to the ground and on nonslip surfaces for short periods.
Other stimulation
Stimulation beyond exercise is essential to seniors’ comfort and wellbeing. Take less-mobile seniors on walks in a stroller or wagon. Provide a comfortable seat in a window with a view of a bird feeder or bird bath. Treat puzzles, snuffle mats, and cat or dog friendly TV are also great options.
Food and water considerations
Always provide free access to clean water. Having several bowls of water placed throughout your living space is ideal for easy access.
Missing teeth and gum disease can make eating difficult or painful. A soft diet can help reduce pain and increase mealtime pleasure. It can also aid in nutrient absorption and digestion. This may mean soaking kibble, mixing it with wet food, or transitioning to a wet-food diet. Always speak to your veterinarian about an appropriate diet for your senior pet.
Raised water and food dishes may also help with comfort, relieving pressure on neck and shoulder joints. A word of caution: raised bowls are not okay for every type of dog, and this should be discussed with your veterinarian. Raised bowls may increase the risk of deadly bloat in some dogs.
Help with hygiene
Particularly with senior cats, cleanliness may become difficult with age. Mobility issues, pain, or obesity can prevent cats from grooming regularly. Cats may need extra brushing or bathing assistance to keep clean and comfortable. Pets with incontinence may leak and require frequent cleanup.
During bath time, dogs may need assistance in and out of tubs. Use water that is neither too cold nor too hot and take care to prevent falls and injuries as they walk on slippery surfaces after baths.
Familiar routines and environment
Routines help cats and dogs of all ages feel secure. Age-related decreases in vision, hearing, and cognitive abilities cause confusion, making familiar routines and environments important. So keep meal, play, bed, and treat times regular to avoid disruptions and anxiety.
If access is easy (e.g.: downstairs, in quiet spaces, etc.) keep food, water, and litter boxes in familiar spots. Also, avoid rearranging furniture as this can cause confusion.
Easy navigation
Keep pathways throughout living spaces clear and consider adding nightlights to lower outlets. Also consider ramps or stairs onto beds or other furniture. Use slings or other means to help pets in and out of vehicles. Use gates to restrict access to stairs if climbing/falling is an issue. Consider if the type of litter and litter box cats use meets their needs.
Pain management
Ask your veterinarian if supplements, medication, or treatments such as laser therapy, massage, acupressure, or swim therapy can benefit your aging pet.
Quality of life assessment
Owners often question when it’s time to say goodbye to their pets. Each pet and each situation is unique. Discuss quality of life measurement with your veterinarian, who can provide a quality-of-life assessment tool. This is also an opportunity to discuss an end-of-life plan including if you’d like in-home euthanasia if it’s an option.
Meaningful moments
One crucial way to comfort aging cats and dogs is to spend time with them. Touch them, talk to them, cradle them, and play with them. Allow them the security of knowing their human is by their side as they transition into their next chapter.
Making a few adjustments can provide great comfort to our loyal best friends as they age. If you have questions about how to help your senior pet or would like to make an appointment, contact us here or call us at (505) 299-9533.