With the American Veterinary Medical Association reporting pets are living longer than ever, conversations around senior pet care are becoming increasingly important to the 66% of US households that own a furry friend. The University of Minnesota’s Kristi Flynn, an associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, recently shed light on how to care for aging pets, discussing everything from nutritional needs to common ailments. “Aging pets need support for their physical and emotional well-being,” said Dr. Flynn, as shared in the University of Minnesota News, emphasizing the importance of monitoring routine changes as potential health indicators.

When it comes to diet, older pets may require more protein to maintain muscle mass. According to Dr. Flynn, “healthy adult dogs need to eat a minimum of 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight,” and suggest possibly double this as pets age. However, she advises not to hastily change your pet’s diet if they’re doing well, advocating for constant consultations with veterinarians for pets with specific health conditions.

Common ailments in aging pets can range from joint issues to organ dysfunction. Dr. Flynn asserted the need for regular pet assessments to identify potential health issues early on. “Be sure to check for new lumps or bumps when you are petting them and be mindful to feel their entire body periodically,” Dr. Flynn shared, and she pointed out the importance of observing changes in thirst, appetite, and mobility as they could hint at more serious concerns.

For keeping pets healthy and active, Dr. Flynn recommended regular, well-controlled exercise like walking or swimming, stressing the importance of maintaining a lean body weight to minimize joint discomfort. “Any extra weight that is carried around will exacerbate the discomfort and progression of arthritic joints,” explained Dr. Flynn, providing clear pointers on what a healthy canine body composition should look like.

Alternative treatments like acupuncture are also being used to enhance the quality of life for senior pets. The University’s associate professor Dr. Kara Carmody is offering outpatient acupuncture treatments aimed at managing pain and improving mobility among other benefits. “Acupuncture can reduce the associated pain,” suggested Dr. Flynn, with treatments currently available at the University’s facilities and several other locations in the state.

The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1947 and is the state’s sole veterinary college, dedicating itself to the education and research vital to animal and public health. They house the Veterinary Medical Center, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Leatherdale Equine Center and The Raptor Center among other specialized facilities, deeply involved in extending new techniques and solutions such as acupuncture to veterinary practice.