Like children, pets seem to age quickly, and before you know it, your beloved companion is a senior pet. As pets grow older, their care needs change, and there are specific ways to adjust your home and routine to ensure they remain comfortable and healthy. At Lancaster Animal Clinic in Lancaster, OH, our veterinarians offer helpful recommendations on how to care for aging pets.
Ways to Make Your Home Safer for Aging Pets
The setup of your home can significantly enhance your pet’s quality of life during their senior years and help prevent injuries. The first step is to observe your pet closely and identify areas where they may need extra support. Consider where your pet prefers to sleep or relax, the paths they typically take around the house, and any activities they enjoy. If you notice your pet struggling to jump onto furniture or having difficulty walking on slippery floors, you can make a few adjustments to assist them. Here are some changes recommended by our veterinary team:
- Use Carpet Runners: Carpet runners can provide a non-slip surface on linoleum, tile, or hardwood floors, giving your pet better stability. Place these runners on stairs, around their bed, and near their food and water bowls.
- Limit Access to Challenging Areas: As pets age, they may have trouble navigating certain areas of the home, like stairs or narrow hallways. To prevent accidents, consider using baby gates or barriers to restrict access to these spots.
- Paw Grips for Outdoor Use: If your senior pet has difficulty walking on outdoor surfaces, products like paw grips can help provide additional traction and reduce the risk of slipping.
Make Essentials Easily Accessible
Another essential aspect of senior pet care is making sure your pet can easily access food, water, and other necessities. Aging pets may find it difficult to reach items they once had no problem accessing. Here are some tips from our veterinary team on how to make life easier for your senior pet:
- Low-Sided Litter Boxes: For senior cats, consider using litter boxes with low sides or ramps to make it easier for them to step in and out.
- Non-Slip Food and Water Bowls: Invest in bowls with non-slip bottoms to prevent them from sliding across the floor while your pet is eating or drinking.
- Ramps for Climbing: If your pet enjoys sitting on furniture or high places, use ramps to help them get up without needing to jump.
- Keep Essentials Close: Try to keep your pet’s food, water, bed, and litter box in one accessible area. This minimizes the distance your senior pet has to travel to reach these essentials.
Need a Vet or Animal Hospital Near You in Lancaster, OH?
At Lancaster Animal Clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your pets, including senior care. Whether your aging pet requires routine check-ups or more specific veterinary services, our veterinarians are here to support their needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss the best ways to care for your elderly pets.
