Let’s review the things to know about senior pet care.
As your furry friend ages, you can expect changes in its habits, health, and overall behavior. Today, pets live longer due to advances in veterinary medicine. With an increased lifespan, there is an increase in various types of ailments that impact senior pets. Pets also tend to suffer from different conditions ranging from kidney and heart disease to mobility disorders. Let’s review the things to know about senior pet care.
Providing Preventive Care
A pet’s lifespan will depend on the breed and the individual pet. Keep in mind that smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than bigger ones. In addition, good preventive care will ensure your pet remains healthy into its golden years. For instance, complementing a diet for senior pets with unique supplements will help support joint health. It’s also critical to ensure your pet’s vaccinations are current and schedule pet wellness exams regularly. Most importantly, walking your furry companion daily will help keep its body strong.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
As pets become older, they are more likely to become overweight due to minimal physical activity. So, evaluate your pet’s nutrition as part of senior pet care. Make sure also to monitor your pet’s weight and remember that obesity can lead to multiple health problems, including diabetes and mobility issues.
Keep Your Furry Pal Active
A significant part of senior pet care is keeping your pet active. Although your senior pet may not be able to perform the activities they once enjoyed, you can keep them active. Also, you can keep your older pet from becoming bored by offering games and activities to entertain them. Additionally, physical games can help burn additional calories while keeping your pet’s joints and muscles healthy.
Behavioral Changes in Your Senior Pet
Paying attention to your pet’s behavior changes is essential. Look out for aggression, increased lethargy, and reduced appetite. It would be helpful to visit your vet if you notice any changes since senior pets are more likely to experience certain diseases. Examples of these disorders and diseases include vision problems, cancer, arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, and deafness. Overall, making minor changes around your home can help keep your senior pet comfortable.
For more information on senior pet care, call Alexander Animal Hospital at 410‐777‐8678 to schedule an appointment today.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!