Senior - Tips for in nutrition, overweight and incontinence.
Life with an elderly pet is something special. Not only does the bond with your four-legged friend become more intimate over the years, our older pets also develop a special aura that is often characterized by dignified serenity and calm.
Many things now run more slowly and the need for periods of rest has increased. You need to be especially attentive here, because many changes go unnoticed at first. For example, eating and drinking habits.
Nutrition
An age-appropriate diet contributes a lot to the quality of life of your pet. In pet shops you will find a wide range of feeds suitable for older pets. It is best to seek expert advice there.
Supplemental foods can enhance your senior pet's well-being by, for example, boosting the immune system or supporting healthy skin and fur.
It is important for our senior pets to drink enough to relieve stress on the kidneys. Many pets with gray snouts find running water from a drinking fountain interesting.
Wet food is better for senior pets than dry food because of its higher water content.
Easily digestible snack pastes make excellent rewards or snacks. The treats from the tube are easy to digest and licking them off relaxes your senior pet.
Overweight
Older dogs often get problems with overweight or even obesity (adiposity). In the worst case, a vicious cycle of weight gain and inactivity is the result. Make sure your senior pet is active to keep the weight normal. This also helps prevent a number of diseases that can result from overweight, such as excessive joint damage, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes (diabetes mellitus).
Slow-feeding products slow down food intake, making feeding more exciting for your pet and keeping them engaged longer. If your pet gulps down food, these products can help with hyperacidity, bloating and cramping. Licking also relaxes your pet. Especially for pets with dementia who are prone to restlessness, this is a useful side effect and can help start the day in a gentle way or relax for the night.
Incontinence
If your senior pet is no longer clean in the house, first have the vet check for possible causes. It may be possible to treat the underlying health problem. If the incontinence can't be fixed, hygiene pads in places where your pet normally lies can at least catch some of the mishaps.
Diapers for male dogs can also improve hygiene. It is important to change them sufficiently often, as your old friend may not like the smell.
If there are stains from urine or feces, special cleaners will help to completely remove stains and odor. They also reliably eliminate vomit and other intense pet odors. In particular, the places where your pet lies and frequently washed, should be washed with a pet-friendly and odorless detergent.