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Caring for a Sick or Senior Pet

Sometimes we wish our pets could talk. They would be able to tell us when they’re happy, sad and, most importantly, in pain. Sadly, this isn’t the case. Instead, we have to rely on our intuition as our pet’s main caregiver to know when our furry friend is suffering.

As they get older, many cats and dogs experience painful arthritis, digestive issues, hearing loss and reduced vision. There are many things you can do to keep your pet comfortable in the winter of their life.

Keeping Your Pet Comfortable

There are many things you can do to make sure your pet has the best possible quality of life in the winter of their life. Keep them comfortable in the family home, turn up the heating if they’re cold and wrap them in their favourite blanket.

If you have a senior dog, be aware that they may not be able to walk as far or as fast as they used to. As for cats, we recommend keeping older felines indoors as they are at a higher risk to road accidents in their senior years.

Signs Your Pet is Nearing the End

Every pet is different. For some pets, it will be obvious that they don’t have long left. For example, they may appear less interested in their favourite activities or have low levels of energy. It’s likely that they sleep a lot and not come to greet you like they used to.

Try to come down to their level, hold them and stroke them if they’re suffering. If they aren’t eating as much, buy their favourite treats and hand feed them. They can feel your love, even when it seems like they’re already almost gone.

Grief Factsheets

If you’re in need of some extra support in the days and weeks following your pet’s death, take a look at these handy guides written by leading figure in grief and empathy education and author of When Pets Die: It's Alright to Grieve, Doris Zagdanski.