Help Your Pets Grow Old Gracefully with Aging Pet Care
Just because your dog or cat is getting older and starting to slow down does not mean that they should also lose their playful spirit, experience a diminished quality of life, become sick, or suffer from chronic pain. Throughout a pet’s entire life, healthcare and dietary needs change. Just like puppies, kittens, and adult pets, senior dogs and cats thrive with veterinary care, lifestyle adjustments, and nutrition customized to meet their changing needs.
Specialized Care for Aging Pets
More Frequent Checkups and Health Screenings
Senior pets are at risk of developing age-related diseases. Plus, chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer can progress rapidly. We can most successfully, easily, and affordably treat and manage age-related diseases with early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Senior pets should have biannual veterinary checkups for preventative care, physical examination, and diagnostic health screening.
Dietary Adjustments
Aging pets benefit greatly from diets designed to meet their unique nutritional needs. Switch senior pets to an appropriate pet food formulation and consider adding nutritional supplements to help your pet maintain a healthy coat, weight, and joints.
Grooming
Regular grooming will keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy and their nails remain trimmed to encourage healthy posture. In addition, grooming is a great way to ensure the early detection and diagnosis of new lumps, bumps, or unusual growths as they develop.
Dental Care
Without proper dental care, dogs and cats are at risk of tooth decay, infections, mouth pain, and periodontal disease (and all its risks like organ damage and death).
Due to the need for general anesthesia, some senior pets are not candidates for professional dental cleanings. However, you can still promote dental health at home with dental-friendly treats, chew toys, and regular brushing.
Accessibility
Like aging people, older pets often experience mobility limitations. Try to accommodate your aging pet by making adjustments around your home. Consider elevating your pet’s food and water bowls, providing stairs up to the bed or sofa, and placing non-slip rugs over any slippery flooring.
Aging Pet Care in Wisconsin
From puppy and kittenhood through their golden years, our veterinarians at Animal Wellness Center’s five Wisconsin locations can help you navigate your pet’s ever-changing wellness needs. We’ll help you determine when your pet should be considered a senior pet (at around seven years of age) and guide you through their ongoing care. From providing thorough health screenings and continuing preventative treatments to managing chronic pain and systemic medical conditions, we’ll be with you and we’ll be there for your pet every step of the way.
