How to Properly Care for Your Senior Pet

Senior pets are full of love. It’s important to understand the differences in care requirements for aging pets versus young ones. As your pet gets older, its hearing and sight decrease, and it may develop mobility issues. They are also at a higher risk for certain chronic diseases. Despite this, older pets can still make the most of their golden years through a deliberate veterinary strategy. 

If you aren’t sure how to provide the best care for your senior pet, Blue Lake Animal Hospital offers insight. Keep your pet healthy by bringing your pet to our veterinarians for a checkup. 

Know What Happens During Aging

Whether you have a dog, cat, pocket pet or another animal, it will experience some health decline as it ages. This is true for people as well as animals. Knowing what to expect can reduce some of the uncertainty. For instance, there are a few common health changes that you should pay attention to as your pet ages, including reduced energy, cataracts, hearing problems and kidney disease. Other senior pets may face a heightened risk of obesity and diabetes. 

Depending on the exact kind of pet you have and its breed, your pet may be considered a senior at a certain age. Genetics and breed-specific health issues should also be considered. 

Caring for Senior Pets

Animals have different health requirements. However, there are a few common ways to boost your pet’s health. 

• Age-Appropriate Diet. A balanced diet is key at every stage of your pet’s life, including when it becomes a senior pet. Due to an increased risk of obesity, older animals should have specially designed food to prevent weight gain. Our veterinarians can help you select the right brand and formula. 

• Regular Exercise. Keep your pet stimulated and happy through regular exercise. Not only is it fun for your pet, but it manages its weight and keeps their bodies more flexible. If your animal has mobility limitations, talk to our vets to find alternative ways for your pet to stay active. Remember to stay patient and start off small. 

• Checkups. Veterinary checkups are a major part of preventing disease. Some diseases don’t present symptoms until the disease has progressed to later stages. Fortunately, we use high-tech imaging tools and other diagnostics to identify signs of disease early on. 

• Dental Health. Prioritize oral health. Dental disease is a leading complication in older pets since they are at an increased risk. Keeping your pet’s teeth clean throughout its life is a preventative step, but those efforts are especially important in its later years. Brush daily, and if that isn’t possible, provide dental treats in moderation.
• Vaccination and Parasite Protection. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to ticks and fleas. Continue to administer the right prevention product even as your animal grows older. Some vaccinations may not be necessary as your pet ages and its lifestyle changes, while other vaccinations are still recommended. Talk to our team to determine what vaccinations provide the needed protection for your pet’s lifestyle.  

Schedule a Checkup

Caring for a senior pet is simple with Blue Lake Animal Hospital. Call us today, and learn about our concierge drop-off service.