Our pets are beloved members of the family, and they become more and more important to us as time goes on. Unfortunately, no matter how strong our connection with them is, they are still unable to tell us in words when they hurt. Luckily, advances in veterinary medicine have pets living longer, but with that also comes more age-related problems including:
- Arthritis
- Organ Failure
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Gum disease / dental issues
At Petsadena Animal Hospital, we diagnose your pet’s medical problems and give you the best answers we can on treatment.
The classification of “senior pet” can differ, depending on the breed and lifestyle of your pet. What doesn’t differ is that we need to examine pets differently and more often once they reach senior status. We recommend bringing in your pet more often for wellness exams, at least every 6 months. During these appointments, we will use a very gentle hands-on approach to examining your pet. We will also ask you questions about appetite and behavior, since you know your pet better than we do from spending so much time with him or her.
We also recommend the following for keeping your senior pet healthy:
- Feed them a nutritious diet – Good nutrition is always important, but it is critical in the senior years to keep your pet active and playful. We can recommend quality brands and special formulas when necessary.
- Keep your pet at a healthy weight – Extra weight puts more stress on joints and organs. If you think your pet needs help, contact us about weight loss plans.
- Don’t neglect their teeth – Dental care is especially important during the senior years. Tartar build-up can lead to gum disease which can cause problems with your pet’s internal organs.
As your pet becomes a senior, they will need more care and attention than ever before. It’s our responsibility to monitor their health and help ensure their golden years are as enjoyable as possible. If you are in the Pasadena area and would like more information on caring for your senior pet, call us at 626-414-5919.