Senior Pet Care During the Winter: Special Considerations for Older Pets
Have you noticed that your gray-muzzled friend has started to show a little resistance to the colder temperatures? Perhaps they might opt out of previously enjoyed activities, or cut a walk short by turning for home. There are bound to be age-related challenges to mobility, but with a little extra thought, you can make sure to keep them comfortable.
Appearance and Behavior
Some pets age so gradually that it can be hard to distinguish any changes. If you do notice any changes to their appearance or behavior that concern you, please schedule a senior wellness exam. We can address topics like nutrition, exercise, and age-related behaviors so that you can stay ahead of age-related conditions that impact their normal behaviors and activities. Closely observing and assessing them can lead to real and meaningful strategies to achieve overall health.
Too Cold For You?
Once we have a healthy baseline for your senior pet, we can help you tailor your approach to their daily needs. Many pets become hyper-sensitive to colder conditions, so it is critical to provide extra support. Be sure they have a comfortable, supportive bed in a room with few cold drafts.
Because they burn more energy to generate heat in the winter, senior pets may benefit from a few shifts to their nutrition. You want to avoid unnecessary weight gain (to reduce pressure on aging joints), but thinner animals tend to get cold faster. Talk to your vet about the ideal weight for your senior pet. You can also off-set this by purchasing insulating clothing and boots for outside time.
Slippin’ and Slidin’
Adding some traction to your home’s pathways can reduce slips and falls. Place ramps over steps, and encourage your pet to wear boots with durable soles. Be sure to use pet-friendly deicers and snow melts, and rinse their paws in warm water when you return home. Take the time to provide much-needed support to their paws and coat this winter.
Helping Older Pets During Winter
It can be hard to ask a pet to slow down (especially if they are a working or herding breed), but the winter can create dangerous conditions that cause or lead to preventable injuries in pets. To reduce the risk, we offer the following senior pet safety tips:
- Keep them safe by reducing how much time they spend outdoors. Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s likely to be very cold for them.
- Don’t allow them to become couch potatoes; keep them moving every day even for short periods of time.
- Go slow.
- Watch their food portions.
- Let us know if you see any limping or gait imbalances. Your pet may benefit from a nutritional supplement or prescription medication that supports joint health and reduces pain.
- Work on keeping them mentally active during the coldest months of the year. Check out our tips for brain games.
If you have any questions or concerns about your senior pet’s health and well-being this winter, please call us at (248) 646-5655. Our team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates is always happy to help.