Monday, November 16, 2015

#AdoptASeniorPetMonth :Caring for Your Senior Pet: 4 Tips from Pet Sitters International

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY:Pet Sitters International, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, offers important advice for pet owners with senior pets. When they sent us this information, we felt it was important to share with all of you! Cody will be nine years old in 2016 and is now a Senior (so hard for me to believe!!), and this information is important for me as well! We have posted some of our opinions/tidbits sprinkled throughout this post. Cody and I received no compensation for sharing this information.





While November is recognized as Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, pet parents of senior pets know that these special pets are worth celebrating year round.  Often overlooked at shelters, senior animals actually make great pets that offer unique benefits and lots of love. As pets age, they need our care even more—and pet parents must be committed to recognizing the signs of aging and monitoring their pets’ health and well-being.

Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, offers these quick tips for pet parents to help ensure their senior pets remain as happy and healthy as possible:
Don’t miss regular veterinary checkups.  Veterinarians suggest twice-yearly checkups for senior pets. Many diseases or health issues can be treated if caught early at a veterinary visit. These regular checkups allow pet parents to discuss any changes they may have seen in their pet/s with the veterinarian and to learn more about warning signs they should be aware of. 

Do focus on your pet’s dental health. Adequate dental care is important for cats and dogs at each stage of their lives, but especially important for senior pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that periodontal disease can result in kidney, liver and heart muscle changes; and recommends that pet parents regular brush their pet’s teeth and have the pet’s teeth and gums checked at least once a year by their veterinarian.

Pet First Aid & CPCR Instructor Denise Fleck whose upcoming book on senior pets,The Autumn & Winter of Your Pet:  Make Those Senior Years Golden, is set to be released next month, (I had the pleasure of reviewing her first aid kit and book) . It reminds pet owners that age is often nothing but a number, so it’s important to become familiar with pet’s individual health and situation.
“A great way to better know the dog or cat in your care is to do a regular head-to-tail check-up (even twice weekly as our pets age) to really get acquainted with your furry friend's body.  Besides looking for the lump or bump, the human touch can feel like a soothing massage to a senior's stiff joints,” Fleck advises.

Don’t forgo your pet’s exercise routine. Physical and mental exercise is critically important for senior dogs and cats. Senior cats can benefit from interactive toys and food puzzles to keep them entertained and to burn excess calories. (Sorry about the quality of the video below, but it was filmed in 2011 when Cody first reviewed this amazing treat/food dispenser.) Bat-A-Rat can be purchased here.  (No we were NOT compensated for mentioning this, this dispenser fits with the subject and since Cody has been using this for almost five years and we love this product, we wanted to show it to you again!!)






Do use only a professional pet sitter experienced in caring for senior pets. If long hours at work keep you away from home (or if you are traveling for work or pleasure), the services of a professional pet sitter can be used to ensure your senior pet can maintain a healthy routine, including its regular exercise schedule. PSI provides pet owners with access to the largest online directory of professional pet sitters free-of-charge and recommends that pet owners ask seven important questions before selecting a professional pet sitter.
“Just as some people are ‘dog people’ and others are ‘cat’ or ‘bird’ people, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to finding the right pet sitter to meet the specific needs of you and your pet,” explains PSI President Patti J. Moran. “Pet owners should inquire about a potential pet sitter’s experience with senior pets and any specific training they’ve had, such as Pet First Aid & CPR or PSI’s Certificate in Professional Pet Sitting Program.”
To learn more about PSI or the professional pet-sitting industry, visit petsit.com. To find a pet sitter to care for your senior pet, visit petsit.com/locate


Founded in 1994 by Patti J. Moran, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world's largest educational association for professional pet sitters with nearly 7,000 member businesses in the United States, Canada and more than 15 additional countries. PSI provides current and prospective pet sitters with access to vital business and educational resources to build and grow their professional pet-sitting businesses. For pet owners, PSI offers the largest online directory of professional pet sitters at petsit.com/locate.

46 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for sharing this post. Senior animals always have and always will hold a very dear place in my heart. In her last years, my sweet angel Rosie (my 21 year companion!) required daily subcutaneous fluids, an armory of medications and supplements every day, and frequent vet visits. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

    Thank you again for this post. I love the video of Cody. I've probably said this before, but you have such a handsome face, Cody! Purrs!

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    1. you are most welcome!!! And you are beyond sweet!!!!! Cody is quite flattered!!!!!!! You are an Angel too, Rosie was lucky to have you!! xoxo

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  2. My human doesn't use food dispensers for Binga's exercise... because she goes crazy and tries to BREAK them! Figures, she's a tortie! But she is pretty active anyway.

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    1. Cody does the same. You know the food tower maze that some company who I can't remember had? Cody IMMEDIATELY tipped the entire thing over. He had no desire to get the kibble out slowly...he was smart enough to figure out if he tipped the whole thing over they would all just all out. What I love about this dispenser? It's UNBREAKABLE.......

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  3. Fantastic information, Cody and Caren. We loved your video, Cody. It is nice to see you in action :D Pawkisses :) <3

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    1. Thanks but I didn't write it! I only wrote one part. Thanks about the video too, it's an old one :)
      Kisses back!

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  4. A very good reminder. My cat Carlsberg was 18 when he died - he brought such joy into our lives right up to the end.

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    1. yes they did a great job! My Angel Bobo passed a day after his 18th birthday, I know how hard it is (((hugs)))

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  5. Great reminder! Our humans are still trying out different food dispensing toys to find one that we actually play with and not just push in a straight line with their noses until food falls out. Only Newton will play with them "properly" with his paws.

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  6. Frankie and Puck stay active by chasing each other around the house. Chris is our middle-aged cat and he just likes to watch.

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  7. What a great post with wonderful information. Seniors (and I'm one so I know!) are often overlooked in all ways.....especially when it comes to adoption. We are just as lovable as kittens, and we APPRECIATE being loved in return......forever homes are so important to us - we like feeling stable and cared for. We promise never to disappoint ! Wonderful video too Cody.

    Love, Sammy

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  8. These are good tips - especially increasing the number of times your cat sees the vet in a year. Cat bodies age so much faster than ours and it's important to catch disease early for the best possible outcomes.

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  9. Lots of great information. The Senior cats are all very special. I have a bunch around here. They do take extra special care. You all have a great day.

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  10. Excellent post, 9 of my 14 cats are seniors so I will use these tips. My Mom is my only cat sitter and I have her watch them if we will be gone more than a half hour-they are spoiled. Nice music choice for the ball going round, round :)

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  11. Great information ! Old cats need special care and special play time but they make great companions. Purrs

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  12. Cody you look like a real gentlecat batting the thingy!! MOL I'm a senior too, we are the same age, nearly! But The Staff thinks that I still behave like a kitten in between my long naps ;)

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    1. my furiend thanks but that is an old video ;) That being said....my Mom thinks the same about me as your staff does! Love ya pal! Cody

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  13. Seniors really do deserve the best, each and every day. Great post Cody!

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  14. Thank you for the reminder. We love senior pets, they deserve the best!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  15. Great advice. As you know our Little Bit was a senior and we took the best care of her. We had a short trip the first of October and we had a dog lover that knew about senior pets and he did a great job with her. You could tell when we came home and she was not all over us for attention. We miss her so.

    Excellent advice.

    Have a purrfect day Cody. My best to your wonderful mom. ♥♥♥

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    1. Sending you love and (((hugs))))) I DO know how deeply you miss her and I sooo understand, it breaks my heart

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  16. I know what you mean when you say you can't believe Cody is now a Senior. Mister Cat is not a senior yet, but he's six years old and to me it seems it was only yesterday I brought him home. Thanks for sharing these great tips Caren!

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    1. oh Rosa I so hear you! I feel the same! It seems like only yesterday that I brought Cody home too! You are most welcome and thanks to Pet Sitters International for writing it!

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  17. Oh and I linked this post to Awww Mondays because of Cody's video. He sure likes his treats doesn't he. Loved the music. ♥♥♥

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    1. you are a sweetie! Thank you! My husband's Aunt passed yesterday and we were at the funeral and with family all day so I didn't see this til now. Thank you!!!!!! xoxoxo Oh and YES, Cody is BEYOND food obsessed!! (Just like his Mama!!)

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  18. You are not really a senior cat Cody ! You are not that old ! Loustiquette is. She is 13,5 years old.That's why my human wants her to go back outside. Even if it's just for short periods of time. She needs it.
    When Iounnou, the aby before me, died, she was 19 years and 2 months. She was going to the vet 4 times a year.

    So, you have to work to get treats...
    Ronrons
    Hisia

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    1. I will be 9 next year ! :)
      Mom and I do not think that Loustiquette looks that old at all!! We love her so!
      No, I don't always have to "work" for treats but my Mom is trying to make me "work" for them more so that I don't eat them so fast :)
      Love, Cody

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  19. A very nice share. So many forget the elderly all around, people and pets. Thanks

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  20. We are lucky that we have mom's nephew to clean our litterbox and refill food and water bowls when they go away.

    Emma and Buster

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  21. These are all good things to know. Mom will adopt oldies from now on
    Lily & Edward

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  22. My mum plays with me several times a day. My favourite game is for her to throw my soft ball to me so I can bat it away for her to go and fetch. Even though I am 15 1/2 now, I still play THoE most days. I like your video Cody.

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  23. Gweat posty. Cody sure duz luv those tweats. :) Y'all have a pawsum day.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Lexi

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  24. Oh, no! Do they keep moving the age for seniorhood? I thought it was 10...
    I don't mind getting older but I want my cats to be forever young. Anyway, very good reminders.

    Kisses to the most handsome Cody.

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    1. I was always under the impression that it was age 7 for cats....but I could easily be wrong!! Cody sends kisses back at ya!

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  25. we have never had a senior cat move in with us- it's always been the kitties showing up at our door. WE love all our cats...young or old they all deserve a good home.

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  26. Excellent excellent advice. I have a pro sitter for my girl and have had for years. She has trained her replacement for her total retirement. xo

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  27. Great info. Love the video! Thanks for checking in on Georgie.

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  28. Thanks for telling people this important information! Our cat sitter is part of that organization!

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    1. You are welcome and that is so cool about your sitter!! Yay!

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  29. Thanks for this very important info. With a 16 year old and two 11 years olds, it's important information for me. Hugs, Janet

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  30. We have two older kitties,JJ and Treasure @19 and Georgia is 12.
    WE like this good information and we also believe
    older kitties are just as fun to have around :)
    Purrs Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure and JJ

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  31. CODY, we loved your video, pal! Thank you both for this really important post. All of our kitties are seniors, so we appreciated the reminders about their care.

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  32. We enjoyed your video! This is very important information for senior kitties! We don't use a pet sitter since the one time we tried they never saw Angel so Mommy was a basket case the whole time she was gone. Now if Mommy and Daddy have to leave, our Grandpa from KS comes here to stay with us otherwise they don't go anywhere if one of them can't be here with us!

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  33. Good information for senior pet care. Home health awareness is something we try to do - looking and feeling for anything different on Raven's body, and paying attention to litterbox, eating, and other behaviors. And making sure there's activity and playtime is also a good way of keeping track of kitty's (and doggy's) health. And great video of you getting treats from your bat a rat.

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  34. Hmmm, we're almost 11.....but even though Minko has his troubles and needs all kinds of care, he and Pipo are like wee kittens sometimes, LOL!
    Meowmy's furry furst kitty was about 7 when he came to live in this den, and he was at least 18 when he went to kitty heaven. He was a character indeed...he often tried to catch the unfurbro's little racing cars n the tracks they ran them on, MOL! He jumped higher than we do, and did tons of mischievous things until the last few months of his life...when he got ill...poor thing, he endeared meowmy to meezers:))

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