How to Care for Your Senior Pet

Senior dog dementia | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Senior dog enrichment | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Pain Management

9 Helpful Products for Aging Dogs by Dr. Julie Buzby, DVM | The Grey Muzzle Organization

Bloodwork:

As dogs get older, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian on a regular basis for checkups. Besides an annual or biannual exam, it is suggested that pet parents get yearly blood work done for their senior dogs.

It's recommended that you do blood work to check your senior dog's white and red blood cells and their kidney and liver function to make sure that they are healthy or detect any disease

Environment in the house: Making Small Changes for Your Dog

Dog socks with rubberized, non-slip soles can also help provide traction for senior dogs.

If you have a senior dog, making small adjustments to your home and their environment can have a big impact.

Putting down more carpeting or non-slip rugs around your home so that your senior dog will have an easier time getting up and will be less likely to slip on hardwood or tile floors. (The Surprising Dog Mobility Aid for Traction that Travels - Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs) 

It is also recommended that senior dog parents consider using dog ramps throughout their homes. Ramps are a wonderful way to help dogs get into cars, up and down stairs and onto furniture.

Additionally, pet parents may need to reevaluate the dog food and water setup they have for their dog in order to provide extra comfort and ease of use. Pet parents should consider an elevated dog bowl for their dog’s food and water to eliminate excess strain on a dog’s head and neck.

Senior dog parents should make finding a water bowl easier for their aging pups. You may have to increase the number of water bowls around the home if the pet has trouble remembering where any single bowl may be located. A nightlight by the food and water can help, too.

Night vision is the first type to dissipate over time, so it can help your aging pet to put up nightlights throughout the home. You can also block stairways by using dog gates.

Senior Cats

Loving Care for Older Cats | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine