There is no better time to show your senior pet how much you love them than on Valentine’s Day. While you may typically think of ways to show affection to your partner, don’t forget to include your four-legged friend in this heartwarming holiday. Shower your senior pet with love and attention on Valentine’s Day in the following ways.
1. Create a mentally stimulating activity to play with your senior pet
A lifetime of the same old routine can be boring for your elderly pet, so spice up their daily life by creating a fun new activity. Mental enrichment is key for preventing and slowing the progression of cognitive dysfunction, as well as helping cheer up your pet in the middle of a frigid, dark winter.
Invigorating activities that encourage your pet to use their brain include:
- Food puzzles
- Hide-and-seek
- Sniffing walks
- Interactive toys
- Play with other pets and people
- Training sessions
Change up your daily adventures with your senior pet to keep things fresh and fun, and use the time as a great opportunity to strengthen your bond.
2. Brush up on your senior pet’s dental health
By the age of 3, most pets have some form of dental disease. Your senior pet’s advanced age means they are more likely to suffer from the painful effects of periodontal problems, so make taking care of their oral health a priority. It’s never too late to start brushing your pet’s teeth, and, paired with dental treats and chews, can be a great way to battle plaque and tartar accumulation. If your senior pet is having trouble chewing, switch to canned food, and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to see if your pet is due for a dental cleaning.
3. Investigate joint supplement options for your senior pet
The majority of senior pets suffer from osteoarthritis, a progressive joint disease that makes movement difficult and painful. Preserve your pet’s joint health by finding the best joint supplement to fit their needs. It’s best to begin giving a joint supplement at an early age, to help keep cartilage, bones, ligaments, and muscles healthy and functioning well into your pet’s golden years. The top ingredients in quality joint supplements include:
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Avocado unsaponifiables (ASUs)
Before beginning a joint supplement regimen for your senior pet, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Not all products are safe for pets with a chronic disease, or who are on prescription medication.
4. Make your senior pet a sweet treat
Sweet treats are a highlight of Valentine’s Day but avoid sharing your chocolate assortment with your senior pet. Chocolate can be toxic to pets and may contain macadamia nuts, raisins, or xylitol, which can also cause serious health issues. Instead, whip up a special treat for your furry pal that is healthy and delicious. If your senior pet is on a prescription diet, cut out treats from their canned food, and bake them in the oven for a crunchy snack. Or, hand out healthy “people food” that can seem like a treat. Good options include fresh fruit and veggies, including carrots, broccoli, green beans, apples, bananas, or berries. Lean protein sources, such as baked chicken breast, salmon, and tuna, are also tasty and healthy. Avoid adding seasonings to your pet’s treat, as onion and garlic can be toxic.
5. Schedule a check-up for your senior pet with your veterinarian
Nothing says, “I love you,” more than monitoring your senior pet’s health, to ensure they remain at your side for as long as possible. Keep your furry friend happy and healthy by scheduling regular check-ups with your family veterinarian for screening tests and a physical exam. Regular veterinary visits will catch diseases earlier, allowing easier treatment and a better outcome.
If your senior pet doesn’t love the holidays as much as they used to, especially when the holiday is centered around love and affection, it’s time to evaluate their quality of life. For help with a quality-of-life evaluation, schedule a telemedicine appointment at (802) 871-2329.