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PetPerennials.com is pleased to include a guest blog again this month from Tyler Evans. Tyler, a proud owner of two German Shepherd rescues, understands the challenges of raising pets. He uses dogzasters.com to show off his silly pups and share the messy side of being a pet parent.
Caring for a Senior Pet:
Budget-Friendly Tips for Pet Owners
Caring for a senior pet comes with a lot to consider, from making sure he’s safe to keeping health issues at bay. When you’re on a budget, it’s important to also keep in mind that your pet may need regular vet visits to ensure his physical health is well taken care of, so pet insurance may be a good option. You can also make sure you find the best deals on all the things your pet needs, from healthy food to a comfy bed, by shopping sales and looking online for coupon codes.
Ensuring that your home is safe for your elderly pet is crucial. Think about the details, such as exposed wires or throw rugs that might trip him up, and don’t forget to consider how he’ll stay safe when you’re at work or away from home. Some cost-effective ways to help your pet include installing a baby gate to keep him away from stairs or out of rooms that might be safety hazards.
Here are a few ways to keep your senior pet healthy and vital.
Find What He Needs
Older pets can benefit from special bedding, accessories and food that will keep their joints healthy and provide good quality of life. You don’t have to spend a ton of money, however; with online deals such as Kohl's discount codes, you can get everything from an orthopedic bed that will ease his bones to pet stairs that can help him get around more easily to a cozy crate where he can settle in when he needs time to himself. When looking for food, talk to your vet first about the best choices for your dog. While some senior pet foods can be expensive, if your vet doesn’t think your pet needs it, stick with stores like Walmart or Amazon to find good deals on pet food that can be delivered right to your door.
Keep Him Active
Some activities are safer than others for senior dogs, so it’s important to look for the ones that will help keep his bones, skin, and muscles healthy without being too high-impact. Walks are essential as long as he’s not in pain from joint issues, but you can also let him swim if there’s a dog-friendly body of water nearby. Swimming is easy on the body and is a wonderful form of exercise for pets of any age. However, be careful about taking walks when it’s snowing or raining, and make sure you keep pet wipes or a bowl of warm water by the door to clean off his paws when you return; this will prevent slips and falls on hardwood floors. Always check sites like Chewy for special deals on pet-friendly wipes to help you save a little money.
Get Some Help
There will likely be times when you can’t be at home with your pet; whether it’s due to work or some other obligation, it’s just not feasible sometimes to create a schedule that will allow you to be at home most of the day. However, having someone there to check in on him and provide bathroom breaks will help both of you, so consider hiring a pet sitter for the days you’re unable to get home. You can use an online search tool to find the right sitter for your needs and budget.
Make Regular Vet Visits
Regular vet visits can help keep your pet safe and healthy, but they can be expensive over time. Think about pet insurance, which will help you cover costly visits for illness, emergency care, and medications. For most pet insurance policies, you can enroll them until they are 14 years old, which means many different issues will be covered for years to come.
Caring for a senior pet can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a costly or stressful one. With a bit of planning and a few considerations for your home and schedule, you can ensure that your home is prepared for an elderly pet and that you and your pup will many happy years together.
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