3 tips for senior pets with senior pet parents to grow old gracefully together…
I should know…I’m a senior pet with a senior Mom!
Most people, as they age, learn to adjust to the changes that take place vis-à-vis their health, diet, daily activities, social lives, etc. But what happens when you are a senior pet parent with a senior pet? What are the adjustments you must make for your pet to grow old gracefully with you? Are you prepared to make the necessary compromises to ensure your senior pets well-being, without jeopardizing your own?
Shared activities: Aging pets and pet parents already have bonds established over time. You understand each other, sense each other’s moods, know when the other one is unwell, or needs comforting. You are used to doing things together, know each other’s likes and dislikes, and have your own method of communication, often without words. So, just because your bodies slow down and your health falters, doesn’t mean you give up on everything. You can continue to go on walks together, but shorter and slower walks. You can spend more time just sitting together, watching TV or listening to music. Just remember, your pet will be less energetic than before and will sleep for longer periods of time and will be less likely to expect madly energetic activities from you. In fact, your pet will probably be happy and grateful to do absolutely nothing – with you.
Synchronized routines: Try to coordinate your mealtimes and bedtime with your pets’. You then get to spend more of your free time and waking hours together – making the most of the time you have. And you will have a very grateful and happy pet by your side.
Medical initiatives: Be as vigilant about your pet’s health/medical requirements as you are about your own, or maybe even more. Ensure your pets visits to the vet are on schedule, vaccinations are up to date, medicines and supplements are taken on time, diet is controlled, and a regular exercise schedule is maintained. Be equally healthy, together.
The bond between a pet and pet parent is unbreakable. It envelops the two of you as you age together, an integral part of your lives. Because you belong together until the end of time.
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