Senior pets are more prone to injuries, diseases, and conditions that are associated with aging than younger pets. Our beloved old companions can obtain comprehensive wellness treatment from veterinarians to optimize their health and prolong their lives. This program is focused on identifying and addressing developing issues at the earliest stage possible in order to give the least invasive treatments. Making subtle adjustments to your pet’s routine can help them live a healthier and more pleasant life.
What treatment do senior pets need?
Many pet owners find it reassuring and fulfilling to see their pets age. It isn’t easy to think that the same bundle of energy tearing around the yard years ago is now the quiet and delightful old companion curled at our feet. When your pet begins to slow down, gain weight, or stiffen up, they need your support and understanding.
Unlike a fellow person, your pet can not take responsibility for its own treatment. Your pet is highly dependent on you to keep them healthy. So here are a couple of suggestions for your senior pet as they encounter some of the obstacles that come with aging.
Regular Grooming
Your pet may have problems or be less ready to groom itself as much as it did when they were younger. You may also notice that their fur is getting less shiny, or they have flaking skin. Frequent grooming practices in your home, including regular brushing, will aid with this. You may also need to bathe your pet more frequently, especially if they have any bathroom mishaps or deal with incontinence.
Bringing your pet to the groomer on a regular basis will also help maintain their nails trimmed and their coats healthy as well as glossy. Additionally, you can also include cat & dog anal gland expression in your pet’s regular grooming care to prevent anal gland dysfunction in the future.
Joints and Activity
As our pets grow older, they become less energetic because of stiff joints. Degenerative joint illness and arthritis affect 90 percent of pets over the age of ten. It can be difficult to detect if your pet is in pain. There are, however, a number of indications of joint inflammation that can be observed at home.
- Hard time getting out of bed
- Stairs are too steep for them to climb
- Stopping frequently during walks due to lack of interest
- Stiffening in colder weather
A physical examination of the limbs and back may be part of a routine vet checkup to help in the detection of arthritis. In order to relieve your pet’s discomfort and reduce the progression of joint disease, your veterinarian can prescribe pain medication or supplements. You can look at this website to learn more about joint problems in older pets and see other ways to treat arthritis.
Increased Veterinary Care
Geriatric vet care for senior dogs along with cats should have semi-annual examinations rather than yearly visits to find and treat early signs of health issues or other problems. Senior pet checkups are comparable to those for younger pets, but they are much more detailed. They may involve dental treatment, bloodwork, and particular exams for physical symptoms of more specific diseases in senior pets.
Ultimately
Although your pet is getting older doesn’t mean you can’t have the wonderful relationship you’re used to. The initial step in protecting your pet’s health is to educate yourself on the particular demands of older pets. With careful care and attention, your pet can be there for you as you enter your senior years.
