Scotland is a nation of animal-lovers, and dogs especially are often a significant part of our lives. From Golden Retrievers to West Highland Terriers, these furry companions are integral members of many families.
On Wednesday, Ricky Gervais shared the devastating news that Anti, the German Shepherd who starred as Brandy in the hit Netflix series After Life, has died aged 13.
Taking to social media, the comedian and actor posted a poignant photo of himself with Anti on a park bench, captioning it: “Sad News. ‘Anti’, who played ‘Brandy’ in After Life, has died. She was 13 and a very good girl.”
The post prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans who reminisced about their own losses. In After Life, Gervais plays Tony, a man struggling with the death of his wife, with Anti his loyal companion, helping him to cope.
Ricky, an outspoken supporter of animal welfare, has often spoken about his profound love for dogs, saying: “If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives, dogs would outlive us all.”
With that in mind, it’s crucial to understand how to properly care for dogs and ensure they live the longest, highest quality life possible.
Factors such as diet and exercise are incredibly important. Other elements like adequate sleep, mental health, and stress reduction measures are also key, says veterinary surgeon Pete Wedderburn. He has teamed up with pet experts at TrustedHousesitters to offer some tips to help older pets enjoy their golden years for longer.
Firstly, adjust their diet as they age. As your pet gets older, their digestive system changes, so it’s essential to modify their diet to include food suitable for their age.
“Choose a good quality diet that has been designed for older pets, with high-quality ingredients and nutrients that have been adjusted to meet the different needs of an older animal,” advises Pete.
“Also, ensure they have continual access to fresh water: change their drinking bowl every day so that the water is never stale and stagnant”.
Invest in key supplements, too. Supplements like probiotics and prebiotics can bolster your pet’s gut health and immune system as they grow older. For dogs, foods rich in prebiotics such as broccoli and sweet potato can provide additional support to vital organs and the nervous system, so consider incorporating these into their meals.
For cats, opt for a gut-friendly, fibre-rich cat food. Cats need specific pre and probiotics, so human food won’t do them any good. As pets age, it’s crucial to keep their minds sharp with regular stimulation. Daily playtime, walks filled with sniffing opportunities, and socialisation are essential.
“Ensure your pet has enough daily stimulation to keep their minds active”, advises Pete. “Alongside regular walks and play, give them regular attention throughout the day, and try offering food-releasing toys (like Kongs) to keep them occupied when you’re not around”.
Dental health is also key. Not only does it keep your pet’s teeth looking good, but it also prevents oral issues and pain, and even helps avoid organ damage from bacteria that can enter the bloodstream, leading to further health problems.
Good oral care is vital as pets enter their senior years and should be a daily routine. Alongside brushing their teeth, dental stick chews and certain vegetables can help freshen breath and combat plaque.
“Try to understand what your pet likes and what upsets them,” Pete added. “As a good example, if you go away on holiday, consider having them cared for by a pet sitter in your own home, rather than subjecting them to the stress of boarding kennels or a cattery”.
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