Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker for your Senior Pet

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a large dog is considered a senior at age 6 and a small dog or cat is considered a senior at age 7. Older pets are prone to ailments that are often attributed to old age when they reach these age milestones. Although your senior pet may seem more complacent just laying around the house all day, it is important that senior pets get regular exercise. Walking is great for senior pets because it is low impact with less impact on the joints.

For owners who work long hours or are physically unable to walk their pet, a dog walker or pet sitter can be a great help and comfort to both owners and pets.

Here are 5 reasons senior pets need a pet sitter or pet walker. 

5. Lower Risk of Health Issues

As mentioned, dogs who are walked regularly are less likely to develop serious health problems associated with being overweight such as heart disease and arthritis. Regular activity can lower the risk of heart disease and arthritis because walking can help keep muscles strong, joints flexible, and weight down.

4. Less Anxiety / Boredom

When senior pets are left alone all day, they can develop anxiety or become bored. Pet sitting and dog walking can help stimulate your pet and keep them from any destructive behaviors or excessive barking. The social interaction can help your pet get through their day more calmly.

3. More Bathroom Breaks

As dogs age, they are less likely to be able to hold it all day, as they may once have been able to. Especially if your dog develops illnesses like diabetes or kidney disorders, where frequent urination is more common, a dog walker or pet sitter can ensure that your dog gets the relief he needs throughout the day without accidents.

2. Socialization

Socializing a dog at any age can help minimize stranger anxiety that some dogs experience. The more people a dog meets during the course of a day can help a dog at any age to become more of a joy to be around. A dog walker can help your dog meet and interact with other dogs and other people they may not ordinarily interact with at home, which can help them have more confidence around different types of people and animals.

1.  Help with Medication

As dogs age, they can often develop illnesses that require medication at regular times throughout the day; and if you work full time, it may be impossible for you to give your dog or cat his needed medication. For example, some senior dogs or cats develop illnesses like glaucoma and cataracts that could require the administration of regular eye drops at two-three hour intervals throughout the day. A pet sitter / walker can assist pet owners who are not able to be home with their pet all the time to tend to their needs and give them this necessary medication to help them live longer and happier lives.

Rover is a pet sitting, dog walking, pet boarding, house sitting, doggy day care or drop in visit provider that matches pet owners with care givers for senior pets. Friends of the Elderly Pet Organization receive $10 off your first booking.