Maintaining senior pet mobility: a guide to keeping your furry friend active

As our beloved pets age, they may begin to face challenges with mobility. Just like humans, senior pets can experience joint pain, stiffness, and decreased energy. However, there are several ways you can help your furry friend maintain their mobility and enjoy their golden years to the fullest. In this blog post, we'll explore various tips and strategies to keep your senior pet active and comfortable.

Before embarking on any mobility-enhancing journey for your senior pet, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian. A professional assessment can help identify any underlying health issues, arthritis, or other conditions that may be impacting your pet's mobility. Your vet can recommend appropriate treatments (including rehab!) or medications to alleviate pain and discomfort. Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your senior pet's overall health. Catching and addressing issues early can prevent them from escalating and further affecting your pet's mobility.

Appropriate Nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for pets of all ages, but it becomes even more critical for senior pets. Ensure your furry friend is getting the right nutrients, especially those that support joint health. Look for pet foods that contain joint-friendly ingredients like omega 3 fatty acids, which can help maintain healthy cartilage and reduce joint inflammation. And don’t skimp out on protein! We know that senior pets lose muscle mass as they age and maintaining then on a higher protein diet can help to mitigate this muscle loss; just remember that higher protein diets may not be appropriate for pets with underlying metabolic issues like kidney disease, so if your pet has a specific medical condition, consult your vet for a customized feeding plan.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for senior pet mobility. Extra pounds not only put additional strain on their muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, but we know now that fat produces several inflammatory mediators that further fuel the progression of chronic conditions like arthritis. Work with your veterinarian to create a weight management plan that includes the right diet and exercise routine to keep your pet at a healthy weight.

Supplements

Supplements can be a game-changer for senior pets. If there was one supplement that I would put all dogs on to improve their joint health and help reduce inflammation and discomfort, it would be the omega-3 fatty acids. Look for products that contain high levels of EPA and DHA to get the biggest bang for your buck. Fortetropin, derived from fertilized chicken eggs, is also gaining recognition for its potential to combat muscle loss and support muscle health by promoting muscle protein synthesis and inhibiting muscle protein breakdown, thereby helping to maintain muscle strength and function in aging dogs. Many supplements that are marketed for joint health have glucosamine and chondroitin as their backbone, however look for those that have additional ingredients with efficacy that has been demonstrated in clinical trials - green-lipped mussel, undenatured collagen and avocado unsaponifiables are some of our favourites. These supplements are available in various forms, such as chewable treats, powders or capsules. Always consult your vet before adding supplements to your pet's diet.

Regular Exercise

While your senior pet may not be as spry as they used to be, regular exercise is still vital for their mobility. Adjust the intensity and duration of walks and playtime to suit their energy levels. Short but more frequent, gentle walks are great for maintaining muscle tone and flexibility. Engage in low-impact exercises to help alleviate pressure on their joints. Not sure what is appropriate for your pet? A certified rehabilitation practitioner can help design an appropriate exercise program for your senior pet (hint: we may know a few 😉 🐾💙).

Rehabilitation Therapy

Rehabilitation therapy can be incredibly beneficial for senior pets and may include a combination of pharmaceutical treatment along with non-pharmaceutical modalities - check out our previous blog here for more on the different non-pharmaceutical modalities used in rehabilitation medicine. Hydrotherapy is a great tool for aging and arthritic pets to allow them to work their cardiovascular as well as musculoskeletal and nervous systems, without putting as much strain on their joints as they would walking on land. Heating, massaging and gently stretching your pet's muscles and joints can help increase circulation and alleviate stiffness. Consider consulting a certified rehabilitation practitioner to help guide you through some simple techniques to assist your pet.

Environmental Modifications

A comfortable and supportive bed is essential for senior pets. Orthopedic beds can help relieve pressure on your pet's joints and provide a more restful sleep. Ensure that your pet's bed is easily accessible, as senior pets may have trouble jumping onto higher surfaces. While the soft, fluffy ones look cozy, most senior pets have trouble getting out of them, so firm, memory foam mattresses tend to be more practical. Raising food and water bowls to just below elbow height can help to distribute weight more evenly along the spine, and increasing traction in high traffic areas with rugs/runners, yoga mats, etc. can help prevent slipping and enhance safety in the home. Other accessories like harnesses and booties, as well as assistive devices like ramps, steps and carts can all be beneficial in maintaining your senior pet’s independent mobility.

Mental Stimulation

Senior pets need mental stimulation as well. Interactive toys and puzzles can keep their minds engaged and help combat boredom. Mental stimulation can indirectly support physical health by encouraging your pet to stay active. Check out some of our fave products for mental enrichment here.

Conclusion

Maintaining senior pet mobility is a labour of love that involves attention, care, and patience. By consulting your veterinarian, providing proper nutrition, encouraging regular exercise, and offering a comfortable living environment, you can ensure that your aging companion enjoys a happy and active life. Remember that every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be attentive to your pet's needs and adapt your approach as they age. Your senior pet will thank you with years of love, companionship, and joyful moments.