With the dog days of summer behind us, we now look forward to all the fresh changes September can bring. For many families, this can mean new back-to-school routines and after-school activities, starting College or University for the first time, or even a change in daily working hours. For most of us at least, the fall brings some type of schedule change from the easy breezy days of summer. But what does this mean for senior pets, who tend to do very well with routine? Here are 3 things you can do to make sure your senior pet keeps their routine this fall.
- Maintain an exercise schedule. For most dogs, the best part of the day is getting out for their walk. If your senior pet is still able to enjoy a daily outing or two, try to keep it at the same time of day. This might mean getting up a little earlier to take them out before the morning rush begins, or setting aside time right after dinner. It might also mean relying on a friend or neighbour to help take them out if the day’s activities are nonstop. Let your pet set the pace – the outing may be a slow 5-minute walk to the mailbox and back and if that’s all they can handle due to mobility changes, or it might be a 30-minute walk with lots of pauses to sniff things they find interesting. Whatever this looks like, it is important for quality of life that your senior pet maintains some daily activity.
- Keep their living areas consistent. For many families, September can be a mini-reset and many families choose to update furniture, appliances, or make over a room in the house. This can be a great way to feel refreshed for the fall. For senior pets however, especially those with vision loss or cognitive dysfunction, significant changes to their living spaces can be stressful and confusing. In the areas where your pet spends most of their time, try not to move furniture around or add items to that space. For pets with vision loss, they can bump into new items or feel lost if the space is not familiar to them. If you do make changes to your home, supervise your pet as they explore the area and allow them time to adjust to any changes.
- Ease anxiety around separation. If your senior pet is used to having you and your family home with them through the summer, it can be a big adjustment if everyone goes back to school and work, and they are left at home. Some senior pets can develop separation anxiety if they are not used to being by themselves. Some pets find comfort in leaving a TV or radio on for background noise. Leaving puzzle toys with treats or food-stuffed toys can help give them something to do. There are even special music albums that can be used to reduce a pet’s anxiety during times they are alone. Some dogs may not be able to wait the whole day for bathroom breaks, especially if they have chronic kidney disease. If you are able to, come home for lunch or have a friend, neighbour, or dog sitter stop by once or twice in the day to let them outside or go for a short walk. Breaking up their day by having a visitor can be helpful in easing anxiety and maintaining their quality of life. Leave a comment and let us know how these tips work for you, or what else you have found helps your pet!
