SA268 - It May Not be the Fountain of Youth: But It May Help - Enrichment for Senior Dogs and Cats

We know how enriching lives and environments helps captive animals of all ages in zoos, so why wouldn’t the same be true for dogs and cats of all ages? Dogs are used as a model for human aging, and it turns out that lifetime learning and movement may possibly delay (even prevent?) the onset of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Movement may also keep pets more limber, and enrichment may provide a “purpose” in life and offers cats an opportunity to activate their hard-wired prey drives throughout life. Even elderly cats maintain that drive to hunt and pounce. In some ways, enrichment in golden years may be most valuable, in part, so that an older pet isn’t ignored in a home that also has younger and more active pets. Various examples of creative methods to enrich older animals’ lives, even those with physical limitations, are offered. Steve authored a chapter on this topic in the book The Treatment and Care of the Veterinary Geriatric Patient.