Make sure they are in single level cages so they don't fall off of the second floor of their cage. Elderly animals may also need help cleaning themselves and may be incontinent. Check them each day for dried feces and urine and bath them if needed. I sometimes had to wash my Ares off because he has hind leg degeneration and cannot clean his private parts or belly.
Check their bed in case they have accidents on it, you may need to keep a supply of towels, fleece blankets or beds that you can easily wash and replace each day.
They may need extra help eating. My Ares started eating baby foods and softer human foods as he got older. The harder rat foods he wouldn't eat anymore. Sometimes you have to change their diets, their cages, bedding, beds, surroundings ect..just to make them more comfortable when they get older.
When my mom's dog got older she had to pick him up, take him out let him do his business and pick him back up and carry him back in her home. He wasn't into walking much when he got really old. As animals get older you have to care for them more, just as you would an elderly parent. You want to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.
That is the cutest picture. It's sad when beloved pets lose some of their mobility.
ReplyDeleteYou are a great pet mom!
ReplyDeleteYeah the older they get the more you have to do for them, but such is life, they are worth it too.
ReplyDeleteAwww, I'm so glad you're such a wonderful pet mom. Older pets are so much more difficult to care for, and it hurts your heart to know they don't have much longer. But, as a responsible and loving pet owner, you just have to do whatever you can for them.
ReplyDeleteShelley, Thank you. It's one of my favorite pictures of them.
ReplyDeleteSteph, Thank you.
Pat, Yes, we really do.
Kristen, it does, but these little guys give so much I don't mind caring for them when they get older.
It's so hard when they get to be older babies. I lost my pup a couple months ago (he was 11 1/2 which was really old for his size). Just breaks your heart even if you know it's coming.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll second that. What a wonderful photo of your little ones. Sounds like you were an excellent mamma for them.
I joined your blog immediately because you and Mom into caring for critters!! I loved your post, I truly did. Your a wonderful Dad to your babies, and hopefully your helpful hints will be appreciated. I certainly respected and appreciated them!! www.sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot.com Also an animal lover!
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely Mary thank you! They say that you can tell about a person from the way they treat animals - and you are obviously a most caring human being.
ReplyDeleteSome people need to be educated of course, in the way of caring for pets, before they can learn to love a pet.
Herding Cats- Burning Soup- Thanks you so much. I'm so sorry to hear about your lil pup. It's so hard when we lose a fur baby.
ReplyDeleteSandy, Thank you. I appreciate you joining my blog. I hope you like some of my upcoming posts.
Susan, Thank you for the nice compliment.
I've always thought of pets as family. So if someone in the family needs help, you do what you can to make life easier. Makes sense to me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
I was sorry to hear about you losing your little guy. It sounds like you do a brilliant job with your pets though. They give us so much pleasure when they're young, it's only fair that we help them out as they get older. :-)
ReplyDelete