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It’s never nice to watch your pet become older. Bolton Veterinary Hospital notes that an aging pet may have health concerns, expensive veterinary care costs, and more stress for owners. That said, you can prepare for your pet’s senior years with the following tips from Broadway Barks.
1. Pay for Your Pets Senior Care
Are you concerned about veterinary bills? An older pet likely creates more expensive veterinary costs. However, you might be able to save on your veterinary bills by purchasing pet insurance. When looking for pet insurance, consider the following:
Coverage level. What range of coverage do you need?
Deductibles. How much out-of-pocket expenses can you afford?
Premiums. How much can you afford to pay per month or yearly?
Maximum age covered. What’s the maximum pet age the insurance company will cover? Some companies won’t insure pets over a specific age.
2. Prioritize Self Care
Watching your pet become older can be stressful, so that’s why you must look after yourself. If you're feeling work-related stress, you can increase your pet's stress levels. Here are some ways to reduce your stress levels:
Meditation. Mindfulness is an excellent way to reduce stress. You can visit various excellent meditation centers in your area.
Exercise. Moving your body is an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety. Here’s how you can find some of the best local gyms.
Hang out with your friends. Socializing can ease stress and encourage inner peace.
Eat a healthy diet. Consuming healthy foods — such as low-fat dairy and high-fiber foods — can reduce the likelihood of depression.
3. Review Products for Your Senior Pet
There are many excellent products for senior pets. For instance, if your pup likes spending time on your bed or couch, you could invest in a dog ramp to make life easier. Look for a ramp that’s foldable and adjustable. You should also consider CBD oil to help relieve some aches and pains that accompany mobility issues in old age.
4. Learn to Administer Medication
Learning to administer medication to your pets can save time, money, and stress. However, it’s not always straightforward; you need to follow these guidelines:
Store your medication carefully. Always store your medicine in a cool place away from children. Follow instructions. There are fewer chances of making mistakes if you follow the instructions on the product.
Re-examine your pet. If your pet is on a repeat prescription, ensure you have them re-analyzed by a veterinarian every six months.
Follow direct timings. Ensure you follow the correct dosage times. It should state these on the instructions.
Although it may seem overwhelming, learning to administer medication will benefit your pet in the long run.
5. Keep Your Pet Active
Caring for a Senior Dog points out that the best way to prolong your senior pet’s life — even if they’re not as healthy in their senior years — is through regular exercise. If you have a dog, walk them in one of your local parks or another area with a high walk score. Look for places with ratings over 70 to ensure that you and your dog are safe for however long they are able to walk.
In addition, walking your dog is beneficial to your health. Research suggests that dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines.
Your Pet Can Enjoy Their Senior Years
An aging pet doesn’t have to be an unhappy pet. Look for well-reviewed products that can make your pet’s life easier, find ways to keep them active, and try to keep their stress levels low — even if that means you have to deal with your own stress in the process. If you follow the tips in this article, your pet can enjoy their senior years.
Every dog deserves a loving home, so support Broadway Barks. We are dedicated to helping pets find their right furever homes. Visit us online to learn more about how we support animals in need.