Create a Comforting Routine for Aging or Sick Pets

There’s something in life that none of us can escape, no matter how hard we try - aging. There’s no cure for growing older, whether human or animal. And because aging hits our pets much faster than it does us, we’re the ones who must take care of them. The best way we can do that is to create a routine for aging or sick pets that fits how they feel and their capabilities.

Now that they’re slowing down, their daily exercise looks less like a trip to the park to play fetch for an hour or two, and more like a shorter stroll to keep them moving and take care of their outdoor business. It’s simply a natural progression and part of the circle of life. 

Our job is to give our pets the gift of feeling deeply loved, cared for, comfortable, and safe for the rest of their days.

This article discusses how creating a routine for aging or ill pets honors that they're slowing down and helps comfort them as their health and capabilities decline.

What “Comfort-First” Means, and What It Doesn’t…

A comfort-based routine for aging or sick pets is all about making sure their needs are met. It’s about caring for them wherever they are in their life’s journey and seeing that they have a good quality of life. 

Making their life peaceful and easy in familiar surroundings is a gift of love that should be easy to give. It’s simply a continuation of the love you’ve shared over all these years, with a closer focus on their comfort now that they don’t have the boundless energy they once had.

Putting their comfort first does not mean that you’re giving up on them. You’re just paying more attention to how they feel and tending to them as they need more focused care. And it doesn’t mean stopping veterinarian care. That’s something they may need more of the older they get, particularly if they have a degenerative disorder.

You just want to make it as easy on them as you can.

You Don’t Need A Perfect Schedule

They’re no longer puppies or kittens, so a strict daily schedule isn’t your best choice. Let them choose the pace. They may want to eat at a different time because their appetite is changing. Let them eat when they feel hungry.

Pay attention to the way they move. Maybe they’re a little slow to rise in the mornings because they’re stiff after sleeping. So let them take a short outside potty break first thing, then take them for a longer walk later in the day when they’re feeling more loosened up. If they need to take a break halfway - let them. Allow them the time they need, so they don’t feel rushed or stressed. We know how that feels, and it’s not fun.

A Simple Routine For Aging Or Sick Pets Helps

Though you don’t need a rigid schedule, a looser, familiar routine for aging or sick pets can be helpful. Knowing what usually happens at certain times of day can help them feel supported, particularly if they’re not mentally as sharp as they used to be. 

Stick with simple beginnings and calm transitions, allowing your buddy the time they need to wake, stretch, drink, and do their morning things that help them loosen up and get moving.

Keeping things slow and easy in the mornings helps both you and your pet ease into each day, reducing anxiety. Giving grace to those dogs and cats that might need some extra time to fall into step with their daily activities feels good for both of you.

At the end of the day, make sure they don’t eat too late in the day, that they can get outside before bedding down for the night, and that they still have access to fresh water whenever they need it. 

Potty pads can be useful overnight for dogs who may need to go at night but can’t get outside. Elderly cats should have access to their litter boxes, just in case.

Making Rest Truly Restful

We know how it feels to have restless nights where we can’t get comfortable, no matter how hard we try. A sleepless night can leave us feeling drained, with low energy, and wishing we could take a nap mid-afternoon. Your aging pet can have the same problems.

In creating your routine for aging or sick pets, try to make sure they have similar home comforts at bedtime to those you enjoy:

• Dark room

• Comfy bed

• Cool, but not a cold room

• Quiet sleeping space

• Soft warm blanket (if it’s really cold, maybe they’ll need an extra)

• Soft toys with familiar smells (though you may not need these, your pets might appreciate them)

Sometimes They Just Want To Be Alone

We should be able to tell when our pets want to be alone. And we can, if we look out for the subtle signs they give us. If you pick up your elderly cat, sit down in your favorite chair, and they immediately jump down and walk away, don’t chase them and try to make them sit with you. Give them the space they need.

If you go to pet your dog, and instead of lying there and enjoying the attention, they shuffle, shudder, grumble, whimper, or low growl at you - leave them be. They’re not in the mood, so don’t push it. Let your older pets choose whether or not they want attention. Just be there for them if and when they do want to feel the comfort of your touch. 

Let them come to you.

Don’t Stress, Or They Will Too

Our job as competent owners of older pets is to stay as calm and centered as possible so our pets feel comfortable in our presence. We all know that our pets can sense how we feel, so we need to stay as neutral as possible when caring for them in their old age, so they don’t feel like they have to take care of us so much.

If your pet has a condition where they need medications, they likely know when you’re about to try administering them, as they’ll notice the smallest changes in your behavior. You feel nervous as you know they need the meds, but they can sense when something’s out of the ordinary.

Routines Might Need To Change, And That’s Okay

When your pet cycles through good times and bad times, there’ll be days when your routines may need to be more flexible. This is perfectly normal, especially if your dog or cat suffers from progressive disease. It makes sense to be adaptable to these changes as their situation evolves.

What used to work in the past may not be the way things need to happen now. But don’t feel like that’s a failure on your part. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s something you should get used to when figuring out your routine for aging or sick pets.

Comfort-First Care And You

You may find that you’re paying so much attention to your pet and their conditions that you begin to ignore your own wellness. But if this happens and you begin to decline due to lack of self-care, you won’t be able to give your pet the attention they need. You matter too.

Caring for your aging pet can be exhausting, particularly if you have to watch them carefully for specific signs of decline. Constant attentiveness can be very tiring and stressful, not to mention the niggling anticipation of maybe having to say goodbye too soon.

It’s okay for you to ask for support from your family or friends, and often you can find local or online grief groups where you can talk to others in similar situations. Sharing stories or simply talking about what you and your pet are going through can be so helpful in sharing the burden. Your veterinarian may be able to suggest a resource that can help you feel less alone.

When You Need Extra Support

There are bound to be times when you feel like it’s all too much to bear. That’s perfectly normal, whether you’re caring for an elderly family member or your precious pet. If there comes a time when you feel your role as a caregiver is getting too much, it may be time for a life quality check-up, either by yourself through this quality of life assessment or from a consultation with your veterinarian.

If your pet’s condition is declining despite your best care and attention, then you may want to consider the choice of hospice support in your home. You can always reach out to a veterinarian who specializes in comfort-focused, in-home care when you’re ready.

You Are Enough

Know that your love and your consistent care are enough. Nobody and no routine is perfect; we simply do what we can to the best of our abilities.

Learn to be present when your pet needs you, and love them with all your heart.

Learn to read the signs they show you and know that they’ve truly appreciated your comfort and attention every day of their lives.