This blog post about caring for senior dogs is written by Nick Burton of ourbestdoggo.com.   Note: all opinions are strictly the author’s. 

Photo by Unsplash

Just like humans, pets’ needs change as they age. Your beloved dog or cat can be happy and healthy throughout their “golden years” if you, their caring owner, know how to better care for their needs. However, doing what’s right for a senior pet doesn’t have to break the bank (a common myth about caring for older animals). Here are some budget-friendly ways to improve the quality and quantity of your companion’s final years.

Prioritize Preventative Health Care

Major medical procedures for older pets are usually pretty expensive. You can keep your pet healthier and avoid these big bills by practicing preventive care. The main way to do this is to never skip their routine checkups. Your senior pet needs wellness checkups more often than younger pets (every three to six months instead of every year). While a simple checkup visit will only cost $50 to $100, a major surgery could run you thousands.

Be Especially Vigilant About Signs of Arthritis

When you head to the vet for those frequent checkups, be sure to inquire about arthritis. Although the American Veterinary Medicine Association notes that arthritis is most common in larger dogs, any older pet can experience this debilitating illness. Luckily, treating your pet’s arthritis is somewhat similar to treating it in humans. Dietary changes (anti-inflammatory) and low-impact exercise can help. Specific veterinary medication can be helpful, and it can be fairly inexpensive if you do your homework.

Modify Your House to Make It More Senior Pet-Friendly

While you can mitigate the symptoms of some conditions like arthritis, some consequences of old age can’t really be treated. Your pet will become less mobile and less agile — sadly, it’s just the way it is. They will require more comfortable living arrangements. They may suffer from hearing and vision loss, and you can’t do much about it.

What you can do is make your home more conducive to their needs. For instance, consider installing ramps or adding non-slip track padding if they have trouble with stairs. If they suffer from incontinence, try tiling the room they hang out in (remove carpet and rugs) or installing a doggie/kitty door. Make sure their food, water, or litter box is up high enough or down low enough (whatever makes sense in your situation) for maximum accessibility. None of these modifications are serious enough to cost too much coin.

Get Deals on Products That Make Them Healthier and More Comfortable

You can’t halt the aging process, but you can make your beloved pet’s life easier through modern products and technology. Some options include padded and heated beds, comfort harnesses (to take the place of a leash and collar), pet steps (to access a litter box with ease), and pet supplements to promote better bone health, digestion, and more. You can shop online and use a Walmart promo code to make this a lower-cost endeavor.

Give Your Pet the Attention They Crave

“Bonds with our older companions are special and we rely on our cats as much as they rely on us. Elderly cats often crave more attention than they had earlier in life,” says CatFriendly.com.

This is true of dogs as well. Older pets often need more attention than younger pets. This attention and care can actually boost their mood, which, in turn, can help them live longer. Petting your cat or playing tug-o-war with your dog is fun and 100 percent free. Don’t neglect your pet in their senior years because you think they are “tired” or “worn out.”

While aging is inevitable, deterioration is not. Through a combination of smart medical preventative care, comfort products, home modifications, and proper diet and exercise, you can give your furry friend the best gift of all: love, health, and happiness in their twilight years.