Six Steps to Soothe Senior Dogs and Cats

Add fun activities! Use the happiness plan.

What is your dog or cat’s favorite activity? Can you give them 3-5 minutes more a day of your affection or play time? You won’t regret it!

Animal chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support for those who care deeply about animals — and for the animals themselves. Shel Graves is an ordained animal chaplain as well as a certified dog trainer with animal behavior expertise.

Make life a little softer, lower, and sturdier.

Add an extra bed or a layer of cushion. Use nonslip carpets. Raise bowls, lower resources, and/or add ramps or stairs to help animals with mobility issues. They’ll appreciate it!

Let them sniff! Bring the outdoors in.

Dogs and cats enjoy much of the world through their noses. Let dogs take slower sniff walks. Bring nontoxic plants and scents inside for cats.

Give them a safe space away from activities.

Choose one of your pet’s favorite resting places and make it a “do not disturb” zone. Although they love our affection, it’s wonderful to let seniors know there’s a place where they can be reliably left alone if they feel tired or achy.

Teach them to enjoy their medical care.

With practice, your pets can help you with their care and easily take medications. It doesn’t have to be a struggle. Care can even be bonding time. Put the treat into treatment.

Watch for signs of pain. Work with your vet!

Learn your dog or cat’s body language. What does it look like when they are having a good day? A bad day? Ask your vet for help if pets are moving gingerly, grimacing, or being less active. Would you like support to do your best for your senior pet? Are concerned about how to handle the emotional and spiritual challenges of end-of-life? Book an Ask an Animal Chaplain session.

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