A Comprehensive Guide to Elder-Care

     Caring for any Neopets is a huge responsibility. They must be fed, played with, dressed, and cared for. Diligent pet owners must keep up with their Neopets' health needs and socialisation, all while making sure to keep their pets entertained and cognitively stimulated. Of course, a lot has been written about the additional needs of Baby Neopets as they do require special attention in regard to their safety and diet. However, many Neopians are left wondering, "What about my elderly pet?" Elderly Neopets have needs that are very different from most others, but there is no guide to refer to when it comes to these needs. Keeping Elderly Neopets can be a rewarding experience, as they have a lifetime of experience and wisdom to offer. They absolutely deserve the same care and attention as younger pets, though it can be tricky to find reliable information about their unique needs. Let's talk about those needs and some common-sense solutions and remedies!

     Keeping a Safe Home

     As you might imagine, Elderly Neopets are at greater risk for accidents and injuries due to their fragility and changes in their gait. Bipedal Neopets are at especially high risk for falls in their Neohomes. Changes in vision are quite common in older Neopets, which can also contribute to this risk. Here are some helpful tips for preventing falls at home:

     Ensure that younger Neopets living in the home are diligent about picking up their toys and plushies. These items can become a serious trip hazard for older Neopets.

     Install handrails on all staircases and consider motion-sensor lights for Neopets who wake frequently at night.

     Purchase non-slip bath mats for the restroom. 70% of fall-related injuries occur in the bathroom, so this part of the home is especially important to consider when trying to reduce the risk for falls. If you are concerned about your home's aesthetic, a Chili Bath Mat is an affordable and stylish option. You can also install grab bars in the restroom so that your elderly pet does not lose their balance while getting in or out of the tub.

     If you feel that your elderly pet is especially unsteady, you can always purchase a cane for them. There are many options that are uniquely stylish such as the Candy Cane Cane or the Blumaroo Shepherdess Cane. These items are proven to reduce the risk of falls.

     Petpets can also cause falls or accidents if they leave messes in the home or are known to run around their owners' feet. If you have rowdy or rambunctious Petpets in the home, consider enrolling them in obedience training. Fanciful Fauna has an excellent program and even offers a discount for customers who purchase a Petpet there.

     Eating Right

     Aging Neopets require special attention when it comes to their diet. As Neopets get older, they begin to have different dietary needs. This does vary slightly depending on the species, but here are some general rules of thumb for managing an older pet's nutritional needs:

     Calcium is incredibly important for elderly pets as they will need much of it to maintain strong bones. Kau Kau Farm makes an organic milk that is nutritious and affordable. Older pets should be drinking at least 12 ounces of milk per day. If you have a pet who is lactose intolerant, Cashew milk can be purchased at Neopian Health Foods.

     You might want to consider a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet for your older pet, especially if they are more sedentary in nature.

     Heavy meats and fried foods are difficult for even the healthiest pets to digest. Older pets tend to feel better and have higher energy if they eat alternatives such as seafood. If you are an avid fisher, you can visit Ye Old Fishing Vortex to catch the freshest seafood. This is also a wonderful way to save some Neopoints if you are on a budget.

     Staying Healthy

     We all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Even so, a healthy, well-fed senior may have more complicated medical needs than their younger counterparts. Older Neopets are more vulnerable to sickness and require more doctor visits per year, according to our data. Managing this care can feel overwhelming to many Neopians, who are often caring for other pets and managing a plethora of other responsibilities. Here are some tips for saving time and money when it comes to mounting health needs:

     If you find yourself making multiple trips to the pharmacy each week, consider purchasing Doctors Bags instead. Each bag comes with three random pharmacy items, and if you are lucky, you can stock up on some of the more expensive items that tend to break the bank.

     Consider alternative health solutions such as Unguberry Elixir or Scamander Syrup. While there have been fewer studies supporting the efficacy of these medicines, they are much more affordable, and many Neopians swear by them.

     A lot can be said about preventative medicine. Attending doctor's appointments regularly and taking daily vitamins can go a long way in preventing illness. It is a good idea to keep a jar of Blumaroo Gummy Vitamins handy to ensure your pet is getting all of their daily nutrients.

     Running to the pharmacy every other day can be exhausting. For this reason, it is recommended to keep a fully stocked medicine cabinet at home. This is a good idea for any Neopian who has many pets, but it is particularly important if you have an elderly pet in the home. You can also purchase Vitamin A, B, and C tablets if your pet's doctor recommends them.

     Other Considerations

     In addition to the special health and safety considerations that we have reviewed, there are other topics that you may be wondering about. All Neopets are unique and have their own preferences and interests; Older pets are no exception. You know your pet best, so please keep this in mind while reading the following tips.

     Entertainment and Activities: You might find that your elderly pet is not interested or able to keep up with your younger pets in their more adventurous endeavours. Riding the Roo Island merry-go-round or climbing to the top of Terror Mountain may not be the best option for an outing when it comes to your older pet. Some activities that are less physically exhausting, but still fun include visiting the Hall of Heroes, eating at The Golden Doubloon (or Kelp if you have the Neopoints to spare), trying out recipes at the Cooking Pot, or playing a game of Pyramids. These a just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Neopia boasts a wide array of fun and mentally stimulating activities that won't break the bank. Each land has at least one such activity and sometimes more if you know where to look.

     There is a persistent myth about Elderly Neopets that they have no style or have very poor taste. This is not at all true for many of our seniors! Though they are from a different generation, and their style preferences may vary slightly from more modern attire, there are lots of vintage fashion trends that suit older pets quite well. One such trend is the timeless cardigan, which has just come back in style with a fury this season. Two stunning examples of this are the Gardening Cardigan and the Tangy Tangerine Cardigan, both of which were released this year. Thanks to Neopia's hipster community, glasses are back in as well. This was well-received news for Elderly Neopets since many wear corrective lenses, not necessarily by choice. Just because glasses might be a necessity, this doesn't mean they can't make a statement. You might consider upgrading your pet's stuffy old lenses with a fresh pair of Specialty Shop Spectacles. These gorgeous glasses used to be extremely rare, but thanks to the hard work and dedication of Loic, at the Dyeworks Studio, there is now an abundance of pink, blue, and black pairs available for trade among the NC community.