Keep alert to changes in your pets’ behavior

Keep alert to changes in your pets’ behavior, such as loss of appetite, difficulty breathing and decreased energy. Bring bumps and lumps to your vet’s attention — cancer is not uncommon in older animals, and while most lumps are nothing to worry about, you shouldn’t ignore them. Regular veterinary care becomes even important for older animals, so keep that annual appointment. Very few people actually brush their pets’ teeth, and an older pet may require dental care to prevent loss of teeth and subsequent trouble eating. Your vet can also check for heart problems, recommend dietary changes and run simple screening tests that can indicate possible health issues. With the proper care and attention, most pets can live long and healthy lives, especially if they watch their weight — see the next question, which also relates to healthy old age.

Your pet get old also........here are tips for pet lovers out there!

As they age, most animals will sleep more and get less exercise, so changes in diet are called for. There are senior pet-food formulas that provide for the different needs of older pets. Make sure you are feeding a high quality brand, not one that contains lots of fillers and byproducts (that goes for younger animals too!). Monitor water intake — too little can lead to digestive problems, and drinking a lot might indicate diabetes, a treatable disease that many cats develop as they age.

Aging pets will often become somewhat deaf and may have impaired vision, so look for signs that response times are slowing down and adjust your behavior accordingly. Some dogs and cats get snappy as they age, so don’t startle an older animal out of a nap and make sure they know you’re approaching. For example, try stomping your feet or pitching your voice higher if your dog isn’t responding to you from across the room.

Have your pet ID-tagged

Have your pet ID-tagged. Pets get lost all the time. You only need to look at the Lost Section in the Classifieds of the local paper. If your pet has been ID-tagged, your chances of being reunited are just so much bigger.

Arrange adequate care when you are away. Unless you have a house sitter or a pet sitter that you trust, or a decent kennel that has been recommended, you shouldn't be going away. Your pets are your responsibility – especially when you are going on holiday.

Pets need people

Pets need people. Cats can still spend quite a lot of time on their own and be fine with it, but dogs need lots of company. They are pack animals and get depressed if they are cooped up all day on their own. If you work fulltime, consider getting more than one dog, so they can keep each other company. Playing with your animals and spending fun times with them are so important. That’s the point of having a pet in the first place.

Get a vet you trust. If your pet gets ill, or is hurt in some way, you want to know that your vet will do the best he or she can. Most pets don't like going to the vet, but you will be able to see quickly whether your vet likes animals and whether your pet likes him or her. If you are faced with a huge vet bill, remember that vets are often quite amenable to making arrangements to have bills paid off.