Caring For Older Pets

Caring for older pets can be a challenge, both emotionally and financially. However, with some careful planning you can avoid many of the issues connected with caring for an older pet. The most important step you can take to help you to take care for your pet in its old age is to take out pet insurance. Having pet insurance will help you to meet the cost of caring for your pet in old age and not restrict your choice of treatments.

Before you sign up for pet insurance it is important to read the small print and terms and conditions, some policies only cover animals until a certain age. You must not leave it too late to take out a policy. Most companies will set up a new policy for a dog from puppyhood to the age of 8. That policy should cover the dog until its death, but that is not always the case. For cats, the policy can start from kitten hood to 10 years.

The best way to ensure that your pet is healthy in its old age is to provide it with a healthy diet and lifestyle. In addition, you should make sure that your pet receives all of its vaccinations on time and has all health issues treated early, to avoid complications. If you fail to take preventative measures, such as vaccinations, you may find that your pet insurance does not cover treatment for what would have been preventable conditions.

Make sure that you feed your pet on food that has been specifically designed for it. Many owners feed their pets with human food, but this is always bad for the pet. The odd treat will do no harm, but the wrong diet will shorten your pet's life.

Exercise throughout the pet's life can save a great deal of suffering in old age. As with humans, obesity causes a huge number of health issues in animals. Exercise has the additional benefit of giving your animal the opportunity to play and not become bored. Your pet will lead a far happier life with exercise. In addition, you will also benefit from the extra exercise.