Pets Can Age Gracefully Too

Casey is an off-white Wheaten terrier about to turn 16. His hearing is diminished, but he loves daily walks, and old-age grumpiness has nothing on him. He takes a daily multivitamin supplement with probiotics and enjoys long naps.

Aging is what happens when you live

The 7-for-1 age ratio for dogs may cause concern about our friends’ rapid aging, but here’s the better news: There are many things we can do to prevent our pets from aging prematurely.

Prevention goes a long way

Nowadays, we know how to support our pets’ digestive and joint health and to reduce chronic inflammation levels, which may all be factors in premature aging as well as risk factors for chronic disease.

Good quality food—not too much

Much like us, our pets have likes and dislikes, so choosing the best and most nutritious food for them may be a challenge. To ensure nutritional needs are met, talk to your vet about an appropriate senior diet, but avoid extra treats, as they can increase the risk of weight gain.

Obesity comes with a higher risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in both dogs and cats, and it shortens their lifespan. Also, as they age, pets become less physically active, which makes it harder yet to manage the extra weight.

As pets age, they lose muscle mass and become frail due to decreased nutrient absorption and slower digestion. Their microbiomes, like ours, also become less robust and diverse, so careful supplementation of probiotics and prebiotics may help boost good bacteria, while crowding out bad ones.

Supplementation—just what they need

Even from the early years, you can start introducing helpful additions, such as essential fatty acid supplements, to your pet’s daily regimen. Omega-3 supplements can reduce risk of chronic inflammation and degenerative diseases, including arthritis, and support the immune system.

Choose a sustainable source of fish oil or try green-lipped mussel oil. You can also try hempseeds, which have a balanced mix of essential fatty acids.

Dental care—it’s important

Our senior pets need to have their teeth checked at least once a year to catch any signs of periodontal disease, cancer, or other chronic diseases early on.

And, aside from being off-putting, bad breath may be an indicator of health issues. It can signal bacterial growth, which can spread to affect the kidneys, heart, and liver. Quality of life can also be affected, leading to malnutrition at a time when proper nutrition is essential.

Stress—it affects pets too

Just as stress can accelerate the aging process in humans, it can do the same for our pets. Stress increases cortisol and, thus, the risk of inflammation and chronic disease. Understanding what causes your pet’s stress is the first step in helping them keep it to a minimum.

Pets may become more irritable as they get older, and they can display signs of cognitive decline, which makes them slower, more confused, and often more prone to potty mishaps. Aging can also accentuate behavioral issues, such as separation anxiety and restlessness, which can also affect their sleep.

Mind the joints—theirs age like ours

Much like us, our beloved pets may acquire some joint stiffness and pain as they age, more so after strenuous activities.

Osteoarthritis is common in dogs over eight years old, and some of the larger breeds may have a higher risk. However, one of the biggest risk factors is being overweight, which increases the stress on their joints.

Most cats 10 and older suffer from arthritis, which can manifest through their inability to get in and out of their litter box or in an altered gait. Shoulders and elbows are most affected, but so, too, are feline knees, wrists, and hips. Provide them with easier ways to access their favorite lounging spots and keep an eye on their grooming abilities, which may suffer a decline due to reduced mobility.

For your canine buddy, choose lower-impact activities such as walking, non-strenuous hiking, or swimming, and ask your vet about glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. While generally safe, it’s important to match the amount to their body weight.

Say it again—it’s never too much

One thing our pets, aging or not, love without end is just being with us. But above that, there is a magic thing that makes their hearts dance: Hearing, again and again, how good they are. Don’t praise only when they do something you like. Do it just because they are in your life. At the end of the day, that’s the one thing we all want most of all: their presence, and the uplifting reminder of unconditional love.