Summer can be a difficult time for senior pets. The long days, intense heat, and increased activity levels can bring challenges for older dogs and cats. If you have a pet that is older than seven years (the general definition for senior pets), be sure to think about the following challenges to your senior pet’s well-being this summer:

Senior Pets and Summer Heat

As the temperature rises this summer, be cognizant of the dangers the heat can pose for our pets. Pet owners should be aware of the risks of the heat for all pets, but especially those who are a little older.

  • Never leave any pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes
  • Be sure that a pet who is outdoors has access to the indoors or a cool, shady area. Ideally senior pets should spend the bulk of their time in a climate-controlled environment.
  • Always provide fresh, cool water, both inside and outdoors
  • Do not walk your pet anywhere you would not walk barefoot. Asphalt, pavement, sand, and dirt can get extremely hot, especially for our bare-footed pets
  • When spending time outdoors, know that it is time to go inside if your pet is panting or breathing heavily, or begins to act weak or disoriented
  • Try to engage in outdoor activities at the coolest times of the day

Senior Pets and Increased Activity

As the weather gets nicer, many of us start to head outdoors. While it is fun to include your pet in summertime activities such as swimming, hiking, or even romping outdoors, too much activity too quickly can unsurfaced some problems in older pets.

Many senior pets have arthritis, even if signs are not apparent. Older dogs and cats may have lowered endurance and stamina. As your activity level increases, be sure to take appropriate precautions for your senior pets.

  • Always increase activity levels gradually – you wouldn’t get up off the couch and run a marathon at 60 without some serious training, and the same is true for your pet
  • Pay attention to signs of discomfort such as mild limping, reluctance to perform certain activities, and heavy breathing
  • Consult your pet’s veterinarian to see if your senior pet might benefit from therapies for arthritis. Many options including oral medications and supplements, physical therapy, therapeutic laser treatments, and orthopedic surgery.

Senior pets can have a multitude of underlying issues that may predispose them to not handling the summer well. If you have any questions or concerns about your senior pet’s health this summer, please call us to schedule a check-up for your pet so that any problems can be caught and addressed before it’s too late.

Just because your beloved pet is getting older, though, does not mean that you can’t still enjoy the summer together. With a little care and planning you and your senior pet can enjoy every last moment of the summers you have together.