Drug-free ways to make your older pet more comfortable

Old age can cause challenges whether you have 2 legs or 4. Here are some simple steps you can take to make your older pet's daily life more comfortable and maximize the enjoyable moments.

Photo credit TLC Photography www.flickr.com

Senior-ize the home

• provide a comfortable bed - try adjusting thickness of the padding or providing a more firm surface that is easier to stand up out of
• raise or lower food and water dishes
• put down non-skid mats or carpet runners for good traction on slippery floors
• provide a litter box on each level - older cats are likely less comfortable on stairs, so they may hold their urine longer and put themselves at risk for urinary tract infections

Adjust the routine

• be aware of weather - senior dogs may appreciate a new winter coat or a change in walk time to early morning or evening during summer heat
• more frequent outdoor breaks to pee or poop for dogs
• shorter more frequent walks or play sessions will be better tolerated than marathon sessions
• thundershirts and/or caps, the supplements Zylkene or Solliquin, leaving a radio or TV playing can ease anxiety

Photo credit Matt Deavenport www.flickr.com

Ease pain with laser therapy
Laser therapy is a safe, effective way to relieve the pain and swelling from arthritis and other chronic conditions. It feels like a gentle warm massage, making it a pleasurable experience for your pet. Don't be fooled though - there's a lot of science behind the light. Extra blood and oxygen are delivered to the treated areas, inflammatory mediators are carried away, and nerves are reset to their healthy threshold.

Maintain a healthy weight
Being over- or under-weight can both be a problem for the senior pet. Work with us to adjust your pets' feeding schedule so that we can optimize lean muscle mass, decrease the stress of obesity on joints, and make sure your pet has the reserves he or she needs to fight illness.