Senior Pet care

Adjust for Older Pets

Everything organic ages over time, and pets are no exception. Dogs and cats move through time like any other animal, but they are noticed more with aging, because domestication makes them visible to their owners as age changes occur. However, even to the average person, a dog or cat begins visibly entering its senior years as the fur shows grayer, and the animal slows down in activity, strength, and flexibility. Not paying attention to this change often leads to injuries that bring the pet to an animal hospital via an emergency. 

Care for Senior Pets

Unlike puppies, who need lots of nutrients to grow, develop, and discipline to learn how to behave, senior pets are entirely on the other side of the spectrum. They don’t need near as rich a diet; instead, they need nutrients to maintain bone strength versus adding weight and mass. Additionally, senior pets tend to be more fragile, with weaker bones. That means risky environments need to be minimized to avoid accidents. For example, animals jumping down from heights, such as a bed or couch, should be limited to floor-level travel. Similarly, restricting dogs and cats from tile and smooth floors helps avoid slips and twists that could injure the animal's back or hips.

Activity Matters

 As pets age, they will want to move around less and less. This is because activity keeps them fit and stronger the same way as humans, even in older age. However, sedentary time contributes to fat, weakened muscles, and lethargy.

Increased Monitoring for Preventative Pet Care

Increased frequency of wellness checks and blood work can help spot problems and age-related disease early, before it becomes a problem. Eventually, all animals will succumb to failing systems, but prevention can be much easier than dealing with a severe condition when it’s too late. For example, lab and blood work will easily catch issues with the liver and kidneys, diet problems, or an infection.

Help with Our Senior Pets

Hillview Veterinary Clinic/Bed & Biscuit in Reynoldsburg, OH, has been a long-standing resource for the veterinarian expertise needed in geriatric pet cases. Preventative pet care doesn't stop once a dog or cat stops being a puppy or kitten; it lasts their entire life. As an animal hospital, our team can provide a complete service exam and evaluation of a senior pet regularly. In addition, we efficiently provide pet owners with a full update on their furry friend's health and what to expect. Call us at (614) 866-2290 to schedule an appointment for your pet. In addition, our veterinarian team can always take on new clients and their pets.