By the time your pet becomes a senior, you’ve spent many years loving their every version—through puppyhood when no piece of furniture was safe, into adulthood, as you learned to appreciate their unique personality and neuroses, and now as a senior, whom you love more than ever. A senior pet is truly a privilege, and it’s no wonder pet owners want to lavish them with love, and more. Here are a few ways to spoil your senior pet.
1. Invest in a quality bed for your senior pet
You know that a comfortable bed is important for a relaxing night’s sleep, and the same is true for your pet. An orthopedic bed can support your pet’s joints and provide relief from age-related discomfort. A new bed can also improve the quality of your pet’s sleep and overall health. But remember, pets with decreased ranges of mobility may find extra thick beds difficult to get in and out of. Consider your pet’s range of motion when shopping for a new bed.
2. Serve your senior pet top-notch cuisine
Good nutrition is essential to your senior pet’s health. Speak with your veterinarian to determine your pet’s best diet choice, based on their age, weight, and health. You can add the following treats to their diet for optimal health—and one happy senior pet.
- Bone broth — Bone broth is full of joint-enhancing ingredients, like collagen and glucosamine, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. Pour some broth on your pet’s kibble for an added treat that will excite the pickiest eater at mealtime.
- Supplements — Supplements can keep your senior pet more comfortable as they age. Many veterinarians recommend joint supplements with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glucosamine, and chondroitin, to help with arthritis and age-related discomfort. Always speak with your veterinarian before adding supplements, to ensure the ingredients won’t interfere with your pet’s current prescription medications.
3. Stay on top of your pet’s veterinary care
While a trip to the veterinarian might not sound like pampering, senior pets require regular visits—at least every six months, depending on age and health. Your veterinarian can answer any of your questions and offer support, information, and resources to care for your senior pet. They can also diagnose health issues earlier and create a more effective treatment plan if they see your pet regularly.
4. Revamp your home to make your senior pet’s life easier 
Decreased mobility can make navigating your home more difficult for your senior pet, but you can make their life much easier with the following modifications:
- Elevated bowls — An elevated bowl places less strain on your pet’s neck, hips, shoulders, and joints.
- Stairs and ramps — Jumping can be hard on your senior pet’s joints, and you may need to invest in pet stairs, to help them access the bed or couch. For the car, a foldable ramp can help your senior pet get in and out more easily. Remember that ramps require training, and they need to be extra stable. Senior pets can have more trouble balancing and a less sturdy ramp may go unused.
- Nightlight – As your pet ages, their vision may decline. Place nightlights around your home, to help your senior pet navigate in the dark.
- The best way to spoil your senior pet also happens to be the simplest, connecting with your pet every day, no matter how busy life gets. The time we have with our beloved pets is a gift.
The last act of love you can give your senior pet is peace and comfort during their final days. Our veterinary hospice service can provide guidance for helping your pet at the end of life. Contact us at (802)871-2329 if you feel you need help with your senior pet. We offer tele-advice to pet owners for dogs and cats, as well as in-home hospice care and in-home euthanasia in the Burlington, VT area and surrounding towns.