🐾 8 key points for health management of elderly pets

— The editor referred to the veterinary advice + Hong Kong slaves' actual combat experience, and helped everyone to break down each item —

With advances in medical care and improved care, many of Hong Kong's furry friends (dogs 🐶 and cats 🐱) are living significantly longer than before. Generally speaking, dogs enter seniorhood at 7-8 years old , and cats at 10 and older . During this stage, bodily functions gradually decline, and many hidden illnesses, such as kidney disease, heart disease, arthritis, and periodontal disease, can surface. If owners take early steps to prepare, their furry friends can enjoy healthier and happier later years. Below are 8 key points , each of which I'll explain in detail.

1️⃣ Regular health check-up🩺

Subtitle: Don’t wait until something happens to see a doctor <br>Many diseases in elderly pets are “slowly dormant” and by the time obvious symptoms appear, they are often already quite serious.
👉 Editor's Tip:

• Comprehensive checkup (blood, urine, X-ray, ultrasound) every six months
• Measure your blood pressure regularly, as high blood pressure puts a greater strain on your kidneys and heart.
• Don't forget dental checkups. Periodontal disease bacteria can affect the heart and kidneys. My observation: Many people think that "checkups are too expensive and unnecessary." But early detection of the disease can significantly reduce treatment costs and pain.

2️⃣ Dietary nutrition adjustment🍲

Subtitle: Elderly furry babies need “the right amount + the right ingredients”
As we age, our metabolism slows down, and our pets' diets need to be adjusted.
👉 Editor's suggestion:

• Reduce phosphorus content and protect the kidneys
• Protein should be high quality but in controlled amounts, such as fish and chicken
• Increase fiber to help digestion and intestinal health
• For joint care, consider foods or supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. Editor's note: Some owners feed their elderly dogs the high-calorie food they ate when they were young, which results in them becoming obese and increasing the pressure on their heart and joints.

3️⃣ Control your weight and exercise moderately⚖️🏃♂️

Subtitle: Proper exercise leads to health <br>Obesity is the biggest enemy of elderly people. It affects cardiopulmonary function and easily causes joint degeneration.
👉 Editor's Tip:

• Weigh yourself monthly to monitor weight changes
• Dogs: Walk twice a day, 15-30 minutes each time, depending on physical fitness
• Cats: Use cat teasers and educational toys to keep their muscles active
• Exercise should be gentle and avoid high-intensity explosive exercise. The editor reminds you: too little exercise will cause muscle loss, but excessive exercise will hurt the joints, so you must strike a balance.

4️⃣ Joint and mobility care🦴

Subtitle: Walk comfortably and improve your quality of life <br>One of the most common problems among elderly pets is arthritis, which makes them reluctant to move.
👉 Edited by the editor:

• Prepare a soft mattress and avoid sleeping on hard floors
• Anti-slip mats can be added to reduce the risk of falls
• Joint health supplements (fish oil, glucosamine) can help reduce inflammation
• If necessary, consider physical therapy or massage. The editor has observed that some old dogs are reluctant to walk. In fact, they are not lazy, but they are in so much pain that they don’t want to walk.

5️⃣ Heart and kidney health monitoring❤️💧

Subtitle: Two common invisible killers <br>Heart disease and kidney disease are high-risk diseases for elderly children.
👉 Editor's suggestion:

• Regular heart ultrasound and blood pressure checks
• If you have cough, shortness of breath, or are prone to fatigue, you should have your heart checked as soon as possible.
• Kidney function is monitored through blood and urine tests (creatinine, urea nitrogen, phosphorus)
• The diet should be combined with special prescription food for kidney. The editor reminds: many pets are first diagnosed with the disease in the middle and late stages, so daily monitoring accounts for a large proportion.

6️⃣ Teeth and Oral Care🦷

Subtitle: Oral health affects the whole body <br>Periodontal disease is a common problem among elderly pets. It can reduce their appetite and may even cause systemic infections.
👉 Editor's Tip:

• Regular teeth cleanings (performed by a veterinarian)
• Brush your pet's teeth daily, or use tooth cleaning gel or tooth cleaning snacks
• If there is bad breath, drooling, or refusal to eat, check it out immediately. Editor's experience: Many owners mistakenly believe that their old cats are "picky eaters", but in fact they just can't eat because of toothache.

7️⃣ Provide a comfortable and safe living environment🏡

Subtitle: Stable environment = stress reduction = better health <br>Older pets are sensitive to environmental changes, so a stable and safe living space is very important.
👉 Editor's suggestion:

• Prepare a warm bed to avoid cold
• Avoid slippery conditions at home by laying non-slip mats
• Add a night light at night to reduce anxiety
• Reduce moving or major changes, maintain a familiar environment. Editor's note: Old furry friends no longer need fancy toys, but a stable and familiar home.

8️⃣ Mental health and companionship 💕

Subtitle: In addition to physical health, the mind must also be taken care of. <br>Older pets sometimes experience anxiety and cognitive impairment, and what they need most is the company of their owners.
👉 Editor's suggestion:

• Spend more time with your pet to give him a sense of security
• Keep game interactions simple to make them feel needed.
• Gentle touch and soft words can soothe emotions
• If the dog has cognitive impairment (walking around randomly, crying at night), be patient and consult a veterinarian

The editor reminds you: For your elderly pets, the later years of their lives should not be about "waiting to grow old", but about living with dignity and happiness .

🐶🐱 Editor's summary

Managing the health of elderly pets involves more than just treating illnesses; it involves comprehensive care: medical care, diet, exercise, environmental protection, and psychological well-being . A pet's most important responsibility is to observe carefully, address issues promptly, and provide continuous companionship. Remember, they may walk slower or play less, but their owners will always be their most trusted and beloved companions.