Providing the best life for your senior or disabled pet – Bankrate.com

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We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free – so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you.
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For many pet owners, a dog or cat is not simply a pet, but rather a member of the family that is constantly by our side. In 2020, millions of people sought this deep level of companionship by adopting pets from shelters and purchasing from breeders. While demand may have surged because of the pandemic, many senior and disabled pets remain unadopted.
In reality, older pets can be wonderful additions to the family since many of them are already trained and have outgrown those tough, destructive phases. And pets with disabilities often have challenges which can be easily managed and allow them to function like any other pet. All pet owners will eventually face the reality of watching their own pets age, but there are some easy changes or adjustments that can be made to accommodate aging or disabled pets so you can continue providing the best life possible for them.

For pet owners whose dog or cat is aging or physically challenged, modifications can be made to make it easier on the pet. From riding in vehicles to getting situated in their favorite spots around the house, there are plenty of options for making pets more comfortable.
According to the Center for Pet Safety:
There are several options available for car safety products for your pet. These products could help keep pets safer in the event of a crash:
Pet owners may be curious if their auto insurance policy covers medical costs for pet injuries related to a car accident. It depends on your personal policy, but it is possible. Some insurance providers automatically include pet coverage in standard policies, but most don’t, so you should verify whether you need to purchase additional coverage and whether your insurance company offers it.
If you don’t have specific coverage for your pet and are the at-fault driver and your pet is hurt because of an accident, your collision insurance may cover part of your dog or cat’s medical expenses. If the accident is the other driver’s fault, you might be able to file a claim for your pet’s medical expenses and it is possible their liability coverage will pay for it. If you’re worried about covering medical costs for your pet after an accident, though, you’ll probably want to look for your own pet insurance.
Here are some tips on things you should pack to help your older or disabled pet ride more comfortably with you when you travel:
There are modifications you can make around the house to help your disabled pet feel more at ease.
Certain things around your home can cause a hazard to any pets, but more so for pets that are older or disabled. Take care to keep your house as free as possible of these potential hazards, or at least strive to keep your pet from being able to access them:
Although any dog breed can experience health issues, certain breeds tend to have disabilities at a younger age. For example, Saint Bernards are known to have problems with hip dysplasia, while Basset Hounds often have to deal with bulging discs. But even with known health issues or disabilities, many pets go on to live long, happy lives while providing years of loyalty and companionship for their owner.
Like humans, senior pets are prone to cataracts and glaucoma. There are also instances where vision loss occurs at birth or as a result of an accident. If your pet is suffering from vision loss, you might find the following helpful:
There are numerous reasons a pet may succumb to hearing loss. Causes range from too many ear infections to brain tumors, but old age is definitely a factor. Deaf dogs live perfectly normal lives, but pet owners may find it helpful to:
Mobility issues in dogs can be caused by accidents, brain conditions and old age. There are plenty of ways to encourage your pet to move when possible and keep them comfortable, including:
Hidden disabilities, such as megaesophagus or epilepsy, may not be detectable by others, but pet owners do need to take extra precautions. Hidden disabilities also need their own special plan for dealing with the unique circumstances. Talk to your vet to create a specific plan for your pet around the home to keep them safe and happy.
Caring for senior or disabled pets can be expensive. General pet care can become quite costly and adding the unique needs of a senior or disabled pet can increase these overall costs.
Although these are common expenses for any pet owner, those caring for a senior or disabled pet may find they are spending more in these categories versus other pet owners:
One of the most admirable qualities of our beloved pets is how resilient they are even as they age or face a disability. As pet owners, we can help them by providing great care that is both worthwhile and consistent. With our care, they can go on to live full, happy lives despite any obstacles. While the average lifespan of dogs is anywhere from 8 to 15 years, the oldest dog on record, “Bluey,” lived to be 29 years old. While most dogs won’t live to be that old, there are some things you can do to ensure your pet has the longest and happiest life possible.
Fortunately there are a few simple steps pet owners can take to ensure their pet has every advantage in life.
Look for premium pet food with balanced nutrition. You can also incorporate certain human foods into their diet, such as cottage cheese, cooked eggs, fruit and vegetables, although the amount should be limited. The food can be the dry or wet variety, and if you are unsure what is best for your pet, your veterinarian can provide guidance.
Dogs depend on exercise to stimulate their minds and stay healthy. The amount of exercise and intensity depends on the breed, but dogs that engage in regular exercise are less likely to chew and destroy things out of boredom.
Regular exams from a veterinarian should be included in pet care. Vets check for irregularities we may not be aware of on our own. A vet will examine your pet from head to tail and track any changes from one visit to the next.
Fleas, ticks and heartworms can pose serious health risks to our furry friends. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of preventative medicines available through your veterinarian to help prevent issues. Checking regularly for fleas and ticks during the warm season is also crucial.
Spaying and neutering may not be an option for all pets, especially pets with certain disabilities. However, when possible, sterilizing your pet can prevent them from running off or marking their territories. Most importantly, it can significantly reduce the chance of your pet developing reproductive infections or cancers, which could help them live a longer, happier life.
Pets thrive on feeling like they are meant to do something. Whether it’s guarding or training, giving your pets a purpose will help them fulfill their highest potential — and remain loyal to you until the end.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Bankrate is compensated in exchange for featured placement of sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website. This compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Bankrate.com does not include all companies or all available products.
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