“If when you look at me, you only see a white face and cloudy eyes, a burden or a hassle…you’ve missed out on the best part of me…Love me until the very end, for I am a gift. With each wag of my tail, I say thank you.”– Bacardi Reynolds
And God said I will send them without wings so no one suspects they are an angel! How true it is of our beloved pets who give us unconditional love, loyalty and happiness throughout their lives. We may have rescued or adopted them, but the reality is, that they have saved us in more ways than one! For all the devotion and adoration they spend their lives giving us, it is only fit that we return it in their senior years by offering them the best possible care.
Looking back on the time with our pet, it seems like life happened too quickly - one day we’re adopting a young pet, full of energy and beans and before we know it, they have grown older and slower. While in our eyes, they will always be the young puppy or kitten who stole our hearts years ago, the difficult reality is different - they have aged.
Aging is part of life’s inevitable cycle so if your beloved companion animal is slowing down, there are small adjustments around the house that can be made to continue giving them a quality life. Being a caregiver for an elderly dog or cat requires slight adjustments to not just their lifestyle, but ours as well - we have to slow down to match them step by step.
As our pets age in years, along with slowing down, their body slows down too – their eyes get cloudy, some even lose their vision and their hearing gets affected. Due to a more sedentary life, they tend to sleep more, and they can put on weight which may hamper walking or climbing stairs. Additionally, they may also develop digestive issues which may hamper their well-being. You will need to observe them to understand where specifically the modifications can be made - from their movements, where they sleep, the activities and the spaces they use around your home.
Making Home A Safe Space
Some of the safety alterations made around your home can include
- Use nonslip carpets or runners on the floors, around your pet’s bed, on the stairs or leading up to their food can provide them with easier mobility and fewer chances of slipping or hurting themselves.
- Avoid re-shuffling or changing the position of the furniture for visually challenged senior pets to help them navigate around the familiar space effortlessly.
- Restrict access to them where they could be in potential danger especially outdoors such as swimming pools, fire pits etc by using baby gates or keeping doors closed, especially when you are not at home.
- Keep food, litter boxes and water bowls in a familiar place to avoid unnecessary movement. Use non-slip food and water bowls kept in a comfortably elevated position on a stand, so that they don’t have to bend a lot.
- Make sure to use ramps with non-slip covers where possible. Restrict them from using stairs – try to change your bedroom to a lower level to watch over and keep them company.
- Most important of all is to be patient – if they can’t see or hear you as they did before, don’t get irritable or lose your temper. Treat them with the love and kindness they deserve.
Nutrition, Hygiene and Diet
Nutritional and dietary requirements change in pets, as they get older. Providing the right kind of nutrition and diet plays an integral role in maintaining the wellness of your senior pet. Nutrients and diets rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals ensure good health, keep them active, prevent obesity, dental problems, and malnutrition. Hygiene and hydration play key roles in maintaining good pet health, so keep a fresh and clean bowl of food and water for them. Wash the food and water bowls with soap and thoroughly rinse them with running water so that the soap doesn’t remain in them.
PEMF – An Alternative and Effective Therapy
There are a plethora of alternative therapies to alleviate or control pain and enhance mobility in senior dogs such as acupressure, physiotherapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, reiki, pranic healing, homeopathy medicines and many more. While I recommend all of them, PEMF has proven to be of great benefit to my senior Labrador Retriever Mojo, who is now over 13 years of age. I have consciously used this therapy instead of chemically heavy painkillers to alleviate and manage his pain and mobility, along with recommended doses of natural supplements for his joints.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy also known as PEMF therapy stands out as a beacon of hope for seniors – humans and pets alike to alleviate and manage their pain levels. It is one of the safest and non-invasive methods to treat bodily injuries and has a positive impact on pain relief, tissue damage, blood clots, and stiffness in joints. PEMF heals the body by emitting an electric pulse that stimulates and aids the process through strengthening and conditioning. This therapy improves cellular well-being within the body without altering its functionalities and improves overall immunity by removing toxins in the body.
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As our beloved furry best friends grow older, take time to love them harder, cuddle them more, shower them with kisses and tell them several times a day how loved they are. Count each day, month and year as a divine blessing and live in gratitude for their physical presence in your life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the signs that my pet is entering their senior years?
A: Signs that your pet is aging include slowing down, reduced energy levels, cloudier eyes, grey fur around the face, stiffness when moving, changes in sleep patterns, and decreased interest in play. These changes are a natural part of life and signal that it's time to adjust their care routine to support their comfort and well-being.
Q2: How can I make my home more comfortable for my senior pet?
A: Small adjustments around the home can make a big difference for an aging pet. Consider adding ramps or steps to help them reach their favorite spots, providing orthopedic bedding for joint support, placing food and water bowls at a comfortable height, using non-slip mats on slippery floors, and keeping their essentials close by so they don't have to travel far.
Q3: What should I feed my senior pet to keep them healthy?
A: Senior pets benefit from a balanced, species-appropriate diet that supports their aging bodies. Ensure good nutrition to prevent obesity, dental problems, and malnutrition. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are easier to digest. Keep a clean bowl of fresh water available at all times, and wash food and water bowls regularly to maintain hygiene and encourage healthy hydration.
Q4: How does PEMF therapy help senior pets?
A: PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy is highly effective for managing pain and improving mobility in senior pets. It works by delivering electromagnetic pulses that stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation at the source. It is a natural, drug-free alternative to heavy painkillers, making it ideal for long-term pain management in aging dogs and cats.
Q5: What other alternative therapies can help senior pets with pain and mobility issues?
A: There are many alternative therapies that can help senior pets, including acupressure, physiotherapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, Reiki, Pranic healing, and homeopathy. These holistic options can be used alongside conventional veterinary care to provide comprehensive pain relief and improve quality of life in aging animals.
Q6: How important is emotional support for senior pets?
A: Emotional support is just as important as physical care for senior pets. Aging animals may experience anxiety, confusion, or depression as their bodies and senses change. Spending quality time with them, maintaining familiar routines, offering gentle affection, and keeping their environment calm and predictable helps them feel secure and loved in their golden years.
Q7: How often should I take my senior pet to the vet?
A: Senior pets should visit the veterinarian more frequently than younger animals — typically every six months rather than annually. Regular check-ups allow for early detection of age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and dental problems. Blood work, urine tests, and physical exams help monitor your pet's health and adjust their care plan as needed.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The statements regarding Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory authority. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any therapy.
Author - Khursheed Mistry
