How to Help Your Senior Pet Maintain a
Healthy Weight
It is just as important for pets to be at
a healthy weight as it is for their human owners. Overweight pets are at a risk of developing arthritis, pain, and
lameness. They also can develop intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) that can
lead to paralysis, especially in long-backed breeds like miniature dachshunds.
Overweight dogs take more time to recover from surgery and often experience
sub clinical conditions such as inflammation, high cholesterol, and high lipids
that lead to pancreatitis, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disease. Obese dogs
frequently experience breathing difficulty and heart problems. When senior pets
are overweight, their age and weight combine to contribute to a higher risk of
developing these health concerns. That’s why it is crucial for senior pet
owners to help their four-legged loved ones maintain a healthy weight.
Change your pet’s diet
Your veterinarian is in the best position
to help you determine exactly how overweight your senior pet is, what his diet should consist of, and how often you should feed
him. Your vet will guide you through helping your senior pet lose weight in a
healthy and safe way. It is likely that your vet will instruct you to lower
your senior pet’s intake of carbohydrates and help lose weight slowly over time
rather than drastically changing his diet. Your vet will also most likely ask
you to stop feeding your senior pet table scraps and other people food, as it
is often high in sugar, salt, and carbohydrates. A balanced, nutritious diet is
best for your senior pet. Orijen Senior dog food is a great choice.
Sometimes, pet owners do not recognize
how many treats they give their senior pets in one day. While we understand
that you love your pet and want to reward him or show him affection with a
treat, you are not doing anything to help him maintain a healthy weight. Consider
tracking how many treats you feed your senior pet in a day if you think that
you may be contributing to his weight problem.
Another option is to avoid giving your
senior pet high-calorie, processed treats and instead choose healthier treats
for him. Carrots are a healthy snack for pets, as are apples without the seeds
or core, blueberries, green beans, and frozen bananas. Keep in mind that
raisins and grapes are poisonous for dogs. You should also avoid peaches,
plums, and persimmons because of their pits.
Be sure your senior pet gets plenty of exercise
No, your senior pet should not be running
a marathon with you every day. But, your senior pet should be getting plenty of exercise. Of course, discuss your pet’s new exercise
regimen with your veterinarian before you begin to ensure that you don’t overdo
it. One of the best ways to exercise your senior pet is to go on vigorous
walks. Dedicate time each day to at least one thirty-minute walk. If your
schedule prevents you from walking with your senior pet, hire a dog
walker who can get him outside when you cannot.
Most dog walkers have flexible schedules, so you should be able to hire one who
can work around your schedule.
Swimming is an activity that is ideal for older dogs
because it is low impact and easy on their weakened joints and muscles.
Swimming also builds strength and is relaxing and comforting for most dogs.
Playing tug-of-war is an exercise option that is great for exercising
older dogs. This game strengthens their bodies and is good for their jaws,
neck, and shoulders. Just be sure to be gentle and avoid hard or violent
tugging or swinging that can cause your senior pet to strain a muscle or cause
dental damage.
Other exercise options include playing
with your senior pet. Fetching a ball or a Frisbee can be a fun exercise for
your pet and yourself. He may not be able to chase a ball as quickly as he once
did, but your pet will enjoy playing with toys with you and engaging in
activities that get him to run, jump, and chase to the best of his ability.
Your senior pet deserves to be happy and
healthy to the end of his days. By helping him maintain a healthy weight, you
will increase the chances that he will feel good and play with you for as long
as possible.
Visit Mickeyspetsupplies.com
This blog post is courtesty of Janice Miller.
Janice
Miller is a
veterinarian and also runs a non-profit that helps place shelter dogs with
foster parents until they go to their forever homes. She helped co-create SafetyToday.org because she
wanted to have a way to spread reputable pet health and safety resources to pet
owners everywhere. The site seeks to provide homeowners, parents, and pet
owners with the information they need to keep themselves and their loved ones
out of harm’s way.
