Wonderfur Company - January 13, 2025

What Does Your Senior Pet Need for Healthy & Happy Joints?

Your senior pet may not complain, but its joints are quietly enduring the toll of time. Stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility don't always come with clear signs—often, they manifest in subtle changes, like hesitating before jumping onto the couch or moving a little slower after a long nap. 

As a pet parent, your role is to notice these small shifts and create a senior pet care routine before they worsen. Along with loving care, incorporating senior dog food supplements and cat supplements into their diet can make a significant difference.

Here's how you can start today

  • Ensure Your Pet Maintains a Healthy Weight

Obesity adds pressure on joints and can lead to hard time in moving for your pet. If your pet is over weight, incorporate portion control meals and workouts.

You might also want to ask the veterinarian what your pet's ideal weight is so they can give you advice on what your pet should eat or whether your dog needs any healthy supplements for cats or dogs.

  • Provide Joint-Friendly Nutrition

One of the significant aspects of joint health is nutrition. You should consider the foods that help to maintain healthy cartilage and joint functioning. Some of the recommended supplements include glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, supplements like vitamins for cats and elderly dogs specifically help with joint functions and overall health.

Make sure the products you purchase are backed up by science and compliant with Australian standards.

For example, Wonderfur Omega Oil from the Wonderfur Company is suitable for pets with specific needs and is made in TGA-approved facilities. It is made from salmon oil and provides Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids for joint and coat health.

  • Encourage Regular, Low-Impact Exercise

Exercise is important in ensuring that your pet's joints remain in good condition and the muscles maintain their strength. In addition, exercise can also improve immunity, especially when combined with the best immune booster for dogs and cats. 

However, low-impact activities are recommended for elderly pets. Some fine choices are short walks, swimming, or light play sessions. Take very close note of your pet's energy, and do not overdo it. 

  • Create a Comfortable Living Space

Minor adjustments to your household can go a long way in helping a pet with aging joints. Soft, supportive bedding from the Wonderfur Company would help relieve the pressure on the joints while your pets rest. Orthopedic pet beds are the most sought-after and are designed to promote good joint health.

Moreover, placing rugs and non-slip mats on slippery floors will give your pet better traction and prevent accidental slips and falls. Ramps or stairs might be installed for larger pets to reach their favorite spots without jumping. For cats, consider combining mobility aids with senior support for cats to enhance their comfort.

  • Schedule Regular Vet Checkups

Regular veterinary checkups allow your vet to assess your senior pet's mobility and notice the early signs of joint problems. This allows them to recommend correct interventions.

During these visits, you can also discuss whether your pet may benefit from treatments such as physical therapy or veterinarian-recommended supplements like omega 3 for cats and dogs. 

  • Consider Massage and Gentle Stretching

A light massage with gentle stretching exercises can reduce stiffness and enhance flexibility in your senior pet's joints. These techniques are especially helpful for pets experiencing mild discomfort.

Before starting any massage routine, it is advisable to contact your vet or a professional animal therapist. They will be able to guide you on safe techniques and determine whether these exercises are suitable for your pet's condition. These exercises can be combined with senior pet care routines to keep your pet comfortable and happy.

  • Use Joint-Supporting Supplements

Supplements recommended by veterinarians can contribute to joint health in addition to the general well-being of your animal. For example, green-lipped mussel, turmeric, and MSM are generally included in senior dog food supplements that support healthy joints. These are designed to work well with a normal, healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Choose high-quality veterinary-recommended products that assure the greatest safety and efficacy—for example, Wonderfur Omega Oil. It not only contributes to joint health but also enhances your pet's skin and coat.

  • Pay Attention to Early Warning Signs

As a pet owner, you will mostly notice subtle changes in the animal's behavior. For example, the pet may not want to climb stairs, have difficulty getting up, or be less enthusiastic about playtime—these are clear signs of joint pain. 

The veterinarian should be consulted if any of the signs above are noted. The earlier such concerns are addressed, with the help of healthy supplements for cats or dogs, the better the long-term outcomes.

  • Keep Your Pet Hydrated

Hydration is vital to overall health, including joint health. Water contributes to joint lubrication and helps your pets move smoothly.

Allow your pet to have clean, fresh water at all times. Senior pets may need some encouragement to drink more, so water should be placed at several points in the house or used as a pet fountain.

Cats, in particular, may benefit from the hydration properties of omega 3 for cats, which support both joint and coat health.

  • Opt for Regular Grooming

Grooming may not be directly connected with joint welfare; it can, however, help. For example, keeping your pet's nails trimmed can prevent abnormal gait and thus reduce gait-induced stress on joints. Long nails make walking uncomfortable for the pet and pressurise the joints.

Moreover, routine grooming involving the intake of vitamins for elderly dogs and cats helps them maintain good health and cheerfulness.

  • Explore Alternative Therapies

Other alternative therapies, like acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy, are becoming quite popular avenues for addressing senior pets' joint health concerns. They are non-invasive and may contribute to increased mobility by reducing pain related to stiffness.

Talk to your veterinarian about these options to know if they are suitable for senior support for cats and dogs. Many owners find that a combination of traditional and alternative approaches works best. 

  • Provide Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation may not affect joint health directly, but it plays an important role in the general well-being of your pet. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and gentle training sessions will keep your pet's mind engaged, which in turn will keep them interested in more physical activities.

These activities, plus the best immune booster for dogs and cats, will keep your pet's mind and body in top condition.

  • Be Patient and Attentive

Supporting a senior pet's joint health requires patience and a keen eye for their needs. Every pet is unique, and their senior pet care routines may differ. Celebrate small victories, like a longer walk or a more playful day, and adjust your approach based on what works best for them.

Keep Your Pet's Golden Years Truly Golden with the Wonderfur Company!

At this special time when your pets are ageing, they need our support more to stay active and happy. In other words, they need the best possible health care. That's why Wonderfur Bites Senior Support for Dogs and Cats are developed with natural ingredients that give your dogs and cats the essential nutrients for joint health in their old age. 

Wonderfur Bites Senior Support treats are packed with essential nutrients in a freeze-dried, flavorful bite that your pet will adore.

Try a Wonderfur Bites sample for just $1 with free shipping!

Wonderfur Bites - Senior Dog Treats & Food Supplements &       Wonderfur Sample - dog supplements, cat supplements, wonderfur bites,