Thrifty Tips

Thrifty Tips for Owners of Senior Pets

Age can take a toll, and your furry friend might not be as spry as he once was. Thankfully, there are ample tools available for optimizing quality of life for senior pets. Here are some of the ways you can help your pet age gracefully, without spending a fortune.

Senior-friendly supplies

Senior pets sometimes need a little assistance around the house to encourage activity and independence. For instance, stairs can help your pup with getting onto the bed or into the car, and raised bowls keep him from having to stoop to eat and drink. Similarly, cats who are having more trouble getting around can benefit from special considerations with the litter box. For pets with a dental condition, soft food is a plus, and an orthopedic bed can support aging joints. While these supplies could seem trivial, they can go a long way in providing quality of life for your pet. When it comes time to invest in senior-friendly supplies, sites like 1800PetSupplies.com or Amazon have a great selection.

 

Common concerns

One of the issues many senior pets face is incontinence. There are several potential causes, and as with any new issue, discussing it with your vet can help you discern the best course of action. Oftentimes, it’s a weakening of sphincter muscles which can be helped with medication, but sometimes other assistance is needed. More frequent walks and the addition of diapers might be in order. 

With that in mind, if your pet needs someone to watch over them when you’re not home, a trustworthy boarding facility like Paw Plazacan be worth their weight in gold, or you can look into finding qualified pet sitters. Be sure to keep some appropriate cleansers on hand for when accidents occur. You can purchase stain and odor removers from retailers like PetSmart, saving five percent when you buy online and pick up your purchase at the local store. If there’s a stain that won’t come out on your carpeting, instead of calling a carpet cleaning service (which could easily run you $75 for one room), you can use vinegar and baking soda to remove it. 

Visit the vet

Just like older humans, older pets can experience more health concerns than in their younger years. As Perinton Veterinary Hospital explains, as your cat or dog ages, it becomes especially important to keep up with routine veterinary exams. The doctor will check vital signs, run tests, and make recommendations for things like dental care. It’s a chance to catch any issues early and stay ahead of them, as well as voice any concerns you have. Pet insurance can help cover veterinary care, and by using special offers from pet insurance companies, you can make sure your budget isn’t overstretched. 

Considering supplements

Older pets can often benefit from adding supplements to their health regimen. Certain vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and probiotics can bolster your pet’s health and slow some of the symptoms often associated with aging. For instance, you can support joint health, immune function, digestive health, and neurological health through various supplements. Also CBD oil is a natural remedy that can alleviate pain from arthritis. 

Since all pets are unique, talking with your vet can help you determine what supplements are best in your pet’s circumstances. When it comes time to make purchases, consider ordering through a website like Holistic Pet Info. They have a broad selection of supplements, and you can check out their sales page to find bargains. 

Healthy diet

Proper nutrition is important at any age, but senior pets have different needs than their younger counterparts. More accessible protein, added fiber, and carefully balanced vitamins and minerals can make a difference in your pet’s condition. Some high-quality senior pet foods incorporate supplements to support digestive and joint health as well. You can read reviews of dog foods and cat foods to find the right choice for your senior. When it comes time to buy, Chewy offers both senior cat and senior dog selections, shipping is free when you spend $49 or more, and if you sign up for autoshipment, you receive 30 percent off your first order.

Good healthcare doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, even for older pets. Invest in some supportive equipment and supplies, tend routine vet checks, and ensure proper nutrition. Age might take a toll, but you can help your senior pet stay healthy and happy. 

For luxury care and professional training and grooming, reach out to the Paw Plaza team today! Call (508) 347-7777 or email GuestServices@PawPlaza.com.

Article by Nick Burton of www.ourbestdoggo.com