[onscreen text] Caring for an aging pet. (upbeat music) [onscreen action] Man kneeling on living room floor welcomes running dog into his arms. [narrator] Even though pets are living longer than ever, there are some things you should know about caring for an aging pet. [onscreen action] Man walking dog out of house and down front steps. [narrator] Try to keep him active and make sure he still gets a moderate amount of exercise. [onscreen text] Trainer’s tip: Never roughhouse with a senior pet. [onscreen action] Man in grassy yard throws tennis ball to dog. [narrator] Exercise will help him retain muscle mass and improve his heart and lung function. [onscreen action] Woman in kitchen fills large measuring cup with pet food from a plastic container. [narrator] You may need to adjust what he eats to meet his special needs. [onscreen action] Woman at kitchen counter mashes supplement on counter with the back of a spoon , scoops up the supplement, and sprinkles it over the pet food. [onscreen text] Trainer’s tip: Check with your veterinarian for their suggestions. [narrator] Senior pets may benefit from supplements that can aid or maintain health and mobility. [onscreen action] Woman at kitchen counter pours some liquid food into a bowl of dry food. [narrator] Many older pets will experience a gradual loss of appetite. You can enhance the taste of their food by adding small amounts of wet food, boiled chicken, or even a bit of low sodium chicken broth. [onscreen action] Dog eating food from dog bowl on floor. [onscreen text] Trainer’s tip: Only small amounts to avoid an upset tummy. [narrator] Dogs may have trouble getting up or even walking across certain types of floors, like wood and tile. [onscreen action] Images of wood and tile flooring. [narrator] Add some non-skid carpet runners, or area rugs to help him maneuver throughout your home. [onscreen action] Man rolling out small carpet on tile floor. [narrator] Senior cats may have difficulty getting into their litter boxes. [onscreen action] Cat standing next to litter box with thought bubble that reads, “I don’t think I can make it.” [narrator] Phase in a new one with lower sides, so it's easier for him to get in and out. [onscreen action] Woman placing a litter box on the floor. [narrator] The joys of a car ride may challenge your senior dog. [onscreen action] Man guiding dog up metal ramp attached to the rear door of an SUV. [narrator] Larger dogs will benefit from a ramp that can prevent them from hurting themselves when jumping in and out of the car. [onscreen action] Cat walking across floor. Speaking of jumping, senior cats may not be able to jump as high as they used to. [onscreen action] Woman placing small food and water dishes on tiled floor. [narrator] Make sure food and water dishes are at lower levels that they can easily reach. If your pet is having difficulty climbing stairs, try using a harness to assist him going up and down. [onscreen action] Dog in harness is helped up stairs by man holding handles on the harness. The dog has a thought bubble that reads, “Thanks for the lift!” [narrator] Another alternative, is to gate off the stairway and set up a comfortable area for him on just one level of your home. [onscreen action] Man installing wooden gate at the bottom of a set of stairs. [narrator] Arthritis is an issue for many aging pets. [onscreen action] Man puts down large dog bed and fluffs it up. [narrator] So, provide soft bedding to help them be more comfortable. [onscreen action] Dog lays on dog bed with thought bubble that reads, “Where are my slippers?” [narrator] Make sure it's located away from any drafts. A warm, comfy place is a must. [onscreen action] Man gently playing with dog. [narrator] Our pets are a part of our family. Timely veterinary treatment plus love, patience, and a few minor daily adjustments can give your aging pet a fuller, happier life.