As our beloved pets age, they may experience a decline in mobility, affecting their quality of life. It’s heartbreaking to watch them slow down, but fortunately, there are plenty of strategies you can employ to support their active life and help them stay limber in their twilight years.
My guide explores ways to increase mobile support in senior pets—from regular exercise and dietary changes to increased veterinary care and environment modifications.
10 Ways to Increase Mobile Support in Senior Pets
Our senior pets will require more care, and there are plenty of ways to ensure they get the help they need when they need it. Here are 10 ways to increase mobile support in older pets.
1. Increased Veterinary Care
As our pets enter their golden years, they require more comprehensive veterinary care. Regular vet visits can help monitor their overall health and catch any potential mobility issues early on. They may also need more frequent dental checks, blood screenings, and specific assessments.
2. Weight Control
Carrying excess weight puts increased stress on their joints, exacerbating mobility issues and potentially leading to conditions like arthritis. Balance their diet with regular exercise to keep them at a healthy weight and improve overall body strength, fostering optimal mobility.
3. Pain Management
As pets get older, they may experience more pain in their joints or develop arthritis. To help them manage their pain, start with weight loss. If your pet is at an ideal weight, consider using nutritional supplements, NSAIDs, opioids, CBD oil at Honest Paws, acupuncture, or massages.
4. Keep Them Active
Keeping your senior pets active plays a vital role in preserving their mobility. Encourage them to move around, whether it’s through daily short walks or simple indoor games. Physical activity strengthens their muscles, bolsters joint stability, and boosts overall vitality and mental health.
5. Adjust Their Diet and Nutrition
Offer your pets high-quality protein sources and consider supplementing with components like glucosamine for joint health. Omega fatty acids can also support skin and coat. However, you should always consult with a vet before changing your pet’s diet or adding supplements.
6. Focus on Parasite Control
Never underestimate the importance of parasite control in maintaining your older pet’s health and mobility. Parasites can cause many ailments, some leading to joint or muscle pain. Regular deworming and flea/tick prevention programs will help keep these bothersome intruders at bay.
7. Stay Up-to-Date With Vaccinations
Ensuring your senior pet stays up-to-date with their vaccinations is crucial to their well-being. Preventable diseases can often lead to irreversible damage, possibly affecting your pet’s mobility in the long run. Regular vet check-ups and timely vaccines are key to sustaining health.
8. Pay Attention to Mental Health
Paying close attention to your senior pet’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. Stress, anxiety, or depression can result in decreased activity and subsequent mobility issues. Nurture their mental health through interaction, play, and providing a calm environment.
9. Environment Changes
As your pet ages, consider making slight changes to their environment. Elderly pets may find it difficult to navigate stairs or jump up onto furniture. By incorporating items like pet-friendly ramps or orthopedic beds, you can enhance their mobility and comfort, easing joint strain.
10. Treating Reproductive Diseases
Conditions such as prostatitis in males or pyometra in females can cause discomfort, leading to less physical activity and worsening mobility. Surgical intervention or specific treatments recommended by your vet can prevent these complications and keep your pet aging healthily.
In Conclusion…
Our furry friends bring so much joy, love, and warmth into our lives, and they deserve the best care as they enter their senior years.
Keeping them mobile and comfortable is one of the best ways we can give back to them for all the affection they’ve showered us over the years.