Life With Pets / Relationships
We celebrate the day an animal enters our home. We photograph its first day, its first meal, its first walk and every amusing thing it does. We proudly watch it grow, learn and become part of the fami
We celebrate the day an animal enters our home. We photograph its first day, its first meal, its first walk and every amusing thing it does. We proudly watch it grow, learn and become part of the family.
But time moves differently for animals. Before we realise it, the energetic puppy has become a senior dog, the playful kitten has become an older cat, and the companion who once followed us everywhere begins to move more slowly.
Growing old is not a failure. It is a stage of life that deserves patience, understanding and better care.
Unfortunately, some owners find it difficult to recognise when their animals are ageing. They may interpret reduced activity, changes in appetite, increased sleeping or reluctance to climb stairs as inevitable consequences of old age.
While some changes are age-related, others may indicate pain or underlying disease.
Veterinary attention becomes particularly important during this stage. Regular health assessments can help identify conditions such as:
Early recognition can improve comfort and help manage many age-related conditions.
The emotional and physical needs of older animals deserve attention.
A dog that once enjoyed long walks may now prefer shorter outings. A cat that loved climbing may need steps to reach its favourite resting place. An animal that once tolerated noisy surroundings may now prefer a quieter corner.
Simple modifications can make a considerable difference:
Nutrition should also be reviewed with veterinary guidance. Older animals may have different energy requirements and may need diets suited to particular health conditions. There is no single diet appropriate for every ageing pet.
Perhaps the greatest challenge is emotional. We remember the animal as it was when it first came home. We sometimes expect it to retain the same energy, enthusiasm and abilities.
When it cannot, we may feel sadness or frustration.
But an older animal should never have to earn our affection through its usefulness or entertainment value.
It may no longer chase a ball, run beside a bicycle or greet us with the same excitement. It may need assistance standing up or require medication several times a day.
These are not reasons to withdraw attention. They are reasons to become more attentive.
As animals approach the end of their lives, families should also discuss pain management, palliative care and quality of life with their veterinarians.
Planning ahead makes difficult decisions more informed and compassionate.
The relationship changes as an animal ages. In its younger years, we may have spent much of our time teaching it, training it and keeping up with its energy. In its later years, our role becomes more protective.
We become its support when its legs weaken, its memory changes or its senses begin to fade.
They once depended on us to introduce them to the world. Now they depend on us to make that world comfortable.
They grow old. Our responsibility grows bigger.
FOLKTAILS | THE EMOTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMANS AND ANIMALS
Article content © S Vejay Anand. All rights reserved.
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