Caring for an Elderly Pet: The Best Budget-Friendly Tips
Tanzie here! I'd like to share a guest article about caring for elderly pets from our pawesome friends at OurBestDoggo.com:
Caring for an elderly pet can be a joy, but it can also be extremely difficult. Not only is it hard emotionally to watch your beloved animal age and deal with health and mobility issues, but it can also be financially draining to keep up with vet bills and home modifications that will keep him safe and comfortable. Taking care of your aging pet — and making sure he has a great life — doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few tweaks and some changes to your lifestyle, you can ensure that your animal is safe, healthy, and comfortable for the rest of his life.
One great way to start is by using preventative measures. For instance, an older dog may have trouble climbing stairs or jumping to get up into bed if he sleeps with you. Before this causes any problems or injuries, utilize a soft set of steps or a ramp to help him get to where he’s going, or move his bedding to a downstairs area so he won’t have to climb. You can also make sure his diet is one that includes lots of protein so he can build strong muscles and bones.
Read on for some great tips on how to care for an aging pet when you’re on a budget.
Keep Him Comfortable
There are many items on the market these days that will help a pet stay comfortable at any age, from heated beds to adjustable harnesses that make walks easier. Having the right tools will help you ensure that your pet’s quality of life is raised and will keep him safe and happy throughout daily tasks. By shopping online, you can use Walmart coupons and promo codes for cashback opportunities that will help you save money for other things, such as vet bills.
Keep Him Well-Groomed
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference. When it comes to a pet’s health and safety, grooming is a small thing with a big impact. Keeping your animal’s nails trimmed short, for instance, will help prevent issues such as snags on carpet or furniture, which can lead to painful tears that require a visit to the vet. Making sure his fur is trimmed and kept out of his eyes will help prevent vision problems that could lead to a fall, as well as painful tangles. You can keep up with your pet’s grooming easily at home by brushing him every day and giving him regular baths. This will also help you stay on top of any abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps, or mites, all of which could signal a health problem.
Feed Him a Healthy Diet
As animals age, they require different things from their diet. Some need more protein, while others need to eat fewer times a day than they used to. Talk to your vet about your pet’s changing needs to find the best diet for his physical and mental health. However, keep in mind that things may vary from season to season. In wintertime, for instance, he may eat a little more than in the hot days of summer. To make things more budget-friendly, consider mixing up some homemade pet food using chicken and vegetables, adding inexpensive ingredients like oats for grain.
Make Your Home Safe
Many elderly pets have trouble with their vision and mobility, so it’s crucial that you make sure your home is a safe and comfortable place for him. This doesn’t require you to spend a ton of money on modifications; you can simply remove trip hazards such as throw rugs, use natural light when you can, and utilize baby gates to block off unsafe areas. It’s also a good idea to use caution with your pet during walks and in spots like the garage, where the floor can be slick.
Caring for an elderly pet takes love and patience, but it doesn’t have to take a huge amount of money. It’s possible to ensure he has everything he needs without overspending. Planning ahead will help, as preventative measures are often the best way to keep a pet healthy and safe.
