6 Inexpensive Ways to Ensure the Highest Quality of Life for Your Aging Pet

It always seems to sneak up on you. You bring your new pet home from the breeder or rescue shelter, and before you know it, you’re noticing gray in their fur and little changes in their behaviour. Ageing is a part of life for our pets, and it happens faster than we’d like. However, you can ensure your pet has everything they need to thrive as a senior — and you can do it on a budget. Here are six inexpensive ways to make your pet’s golden years as good as possible.

Keeping Them Active

Physical activity is essential for any pet’s health and well-being. It helps to keep blood pressure at a good level, helps keep the heart healthy, makes the bones stronger, and even comes with mental health advantages. Exercise also helps your pet keep their weight down, which fights off numerous diseases and other health issues. Here’s the best part: You can exercise your pet for free by taking them on walks throughout the neighbourhood or at a local park, though it certainly helps to have a good (and inexpensive) leash to keep them under control.

Getting the Essential Items

You also may need to purchase supplies for your senior pet. For instance, a heated bed can help relieve pain in your pet’s joints, as well as keep them warm as they sleep. Raised food and water bowls can reduce strain on their neck and help them maintain good posture. Supplements can also be beneficial for older pets for anything from their skin and coat to their joints and cartilage. Major retailers are a great place to find these items, and there are often helpful things such as online Walmart coupons and promo codes available to save you money.

Feeding Your Pet Well

Another way to make sure your pet maintains a high quality of life is to change their diet if necessary. While there are a number of diets that can benefit older pets, a raw diet is one of the most budget-friendly. A raw diet primarily consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed or whole bones, vegetables, and fruits. Not only can this kind of diet help your pet live longer and healthier, but you can also buy the ingredients and formulate the food at home.

Taking Them to the Vet

One of the most important aspects of caring for an older pet is taking them to the veterinarian. It’s recommended that senior pets go at least twice a year. Pets age much faster than humans do, so having them checked every six months is a big step in preventive care — and preventing health issues means preventing the costs associated with them. Expect the appointments to look much like they did when your pet was younger, except with more tests and bloodwork.

Making Home Modifications

As mentioned earlier, there’s a variety of supplies you can purchase that will help your pet thrive in their later years. Making modifications to your home may also be necessary, and there are plenty of budget-friendly changes you can make. For instance, if your pet’s living space is upstairs, consider moving them downstairs to eliminate the need to navigate the stairs. Also, as they may need to potty more often, it can be worth the investment to put in a doggie door. Also, non-slip mats and carpet runners can help your pet maneuver through the home safely.

Keeping Your Pet Clean

Older pets tend to get dirty more easily. It’s important to maintain their cleanliness and hygiene as they age. For instance, be sure to bath them, clean their ears, and brush their teeth regularly. Also, you may need to brush their fur occasionally to keep it neat and untangled. Search online for affordable or clearance grooming supplies to help keep these items within your budget.

As our pets age, it’s up to us to make sure they maintain a high quality of life. Make sure you continue to exercise your pet, get them any supplies they may need, and make any necessary changes to their diet. Up their vet visits to twice a year, look into home modifications, and keep them clean. Following these tips will help you enjoy more time with a healthier and happier pet.