November is an important month for many of our patients: it’s Senior Pet Health Month! Thanks to advances in veterinary care and better home care, Fluffy and Fido are now living longer than ever. However, they will need a lot of TLC and careful monitoring once they reach their golden years. A Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on senior pet health in this article.
Some medical conditions are just common among our furry pals in general. These include things like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and vision and hearing loss. However, your pet’s breed also comes into play here. Do some research, and find out whether or not your four-legged pal is at elevated risk of developing any specific condition. If your dog or cat is a mix, as many are, you may want to consider doing a DNA test.
Many of the health conditions we often see in older pets affect Fido and Fluffy’s appetite, food and water intake, urine output, and weight. These aren’t the only things to watch for, but they are sometimes the first things people notice. Pay close attention to what your pet eats and drinks, and monitor their weight and body condition. You’ll also need to keep an eye out for things like lethargy, respiratory issues, and lameness.
Because older animals have elevated risks of developing many health problems, it’s important to monitor their health. Fido and Fluffy will benefit from more frequent visits. This goes double for pets with known medical issues. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.
Many senior animals are quite sleepy. Fido and Fluffy certainly spent a lot of time running and playing while they were younger! However, it is important for them to stay fit and active. For dogs, daily walks are usually the go-to workout. Kitties can get their activity in by playing.
As your pet ages, you’ll want to shift your focus from keeping them entertained to keeping them comfortable. Small things, like comfy beds and night lights, can go a long way here.
If we could list one flaw with our furry friends, it’s that they don’t stay with us as long as we’d like. Savor this special time with Fluffy and Fido, and make sure they feel loved and safe.
As your Roanoke, VA pet hospital, we’re dedicated to offering top-notch care. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
