Top tips to help your senior pet

We have compiled a list of the top things you can do at home to help improve your senior pet’s quality of life:

Diet: Older animals may be less able to cope with nutrient excesses or deficiencies, or changes in nutrient intake and quality. A top recommendation is for your senior pet to be fed a complete and balanced premium food suitable for mature pet – we will be able to give you the best advice when it comes to diet.

Exercise: Senior pets must maintain mobility and muscle mass in their later years. Dogs should have consistent levels of daily exercise – slow and steady is the key.
Routine: Our senior pets can become a little rattled if their routine is changed, especially if they are showing signs of dementia. Keep to a routine with exercise and feeding times. Too many changes can lead to anxiety problems.

Sleeping: As our pets grow older, they are less tolerant of very hot or very cold weather. Always provide a soft and warm bed away from cold drafts. A mattress style bed allows arthritic pets to sleep comfortably. Cats may prefer their bedding closer to the floor for easier access.

Grooming: It is not uncommon for our senior pets to forget how to groom themselves. Look out for mats – especially under the arm pits and around the bottom. Nails can become long and painfully ingrown; check these regularly.

We can help you with any of the above, just ask us for more information.