Contact Us 248-615-6500 | Monday - Friday - 9am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-4pm, Sunday: 11am-3pm, Closed Major Holidays

Angel Animal Hospital
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • LOCATION
  • SERVICES
  • APPOINTMENTS
  • CONTACT
  •  
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • LOCATION
  • SERVICES
  • APPOINTMENTS
  • CONTACT
  •  

Blog

May 23, 2018  |  By dvmgalaxy In Blog

Senior Dog Care

Senior Dog

Older DogSenior dog care is a growing concern among owners. Due to improvements in veterinary care and dietary options, along with healthier habits, dogs are enjoying longer lifespans. So when does your dog become a senior pet? Around age 7. Larger breeds that normally have a shorter lifespan will start being considered a senior pet around age 6, even if they still act like a puppy.

When your dog enters their senior years they have a shift in dietary, veterinary and exercise needs. Dietary needs include changing them to a diet that is more readily digestible, with a different caloric level and ingredients. A diet specifically formulated for senior pets is optimal at this stage where their kidneys may be working harder.

Increasing your veterinary care from an annual to a semi-annual visit can help detect and treat signs of problems or illness early. Senior pet exams are usually the same as regular exams, but may include more in-depth blood work, dental care and specific monitoring for diseases that are more likely in older pets. Dental care should not be overlooked, oral health can be directly linked to kidney and liver issues. Senior pets are more likely to have diseases that do not normally affect younger ones, such as heart, kidney/urinary tract, liver diseases, cancers, diabetes, joint or bone problems, and weakness.

Older pets commonly suffer from arthritis and sometimes mimic regular signs of aging. If your pet is favoring a limb, having difficulty using stairs, sitting or standing, showing weight gain or a change in their play behavior, they may have arthritis. Consulting your veterinarian is advised. Treatments may include:

  • Maintaining a healthy diet, exercise and weight.
  • Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and/or Glucosamine supplements or over-the-counter medications. [Do not give your pet any human medications without direction of your veterinarian.]

Do you have an older dog? What special care do you show it?

The post Senior Dog Care appeared first on Pet Assure Blog.

Source: Blog

sticky

Article by dvmgalaxy

Previous StoryHow to Treat Pet Allergies
Next StoryKnowing What to Do in Case of a Pet Emergency

Related Articles

  • Cat Enclosures Offer Outdoor Access with Indoor Safety
  • Caring For Pets After Pet Surgery

Archive

  • January 2021 (1)
  • December 2020 (2)
  • November 2020 (3)
  • October 2020 (2)
  • September 2020 (2)
  • August 2020 (2)
  • July 2020 (2)
  • June 2020 (3)
  • May 2020 (2)
  • April 2020 (2)
  • March 2020 (2)
  • January 2020 (1)
  • December 2019 (2)
  • November 2019 (2)
  • October 2019 (2)
  • September 2019 (3)
  • August 2019 (2)
  • July 2019 (2)
  • June 2019 (2)
  • May 2019 (4)
  • April 2019 (5)
  • March 2019 (1)
  • January 2019 (1)
  • May 2018 (2)
  • April 2018 (2)
  • March 2018 (1)

Archive As Dropdown

Calendar

January 2021
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
« Dec    

Categories Dropdown

Categories

  • Blog (55)

Recent Comments

    Recent Posts

    • Cat Enclosures Offer Outdoor Access with Indoor Safety January 11, 2021
    • Caring For Pets After Pet Surgery December 28, 2020
    • Putting Together a Pet Emergency Pack December 14, 2020
    • How to Know if Your Pet Needs Winter Gear November 30, 2020
    • Pet Adoption: Did You Adopt Your Pet or Did Your Pet Adopt You? November 16, 2020

    Tag Cloud

    Blog

    Text

    Vivamus ante dolor, lobortis sit amet magna tempus, congue dapibus mauris. Sed tempor, sapien convallis bibendum scelerisque, libero eros imperdiet quam, quis molestie augue nisi in turpis!

    Flickr-Tf

    Posts-Tf

    • Cat Enclosures Offer Outdoor Access with Indoor Safety Monday, 11, Jan
    • Caring For Pets After Pet Surgery Monday, 28, Dec
    • Putting Together a Pet Emergency Pack Monday, 14, Dec
    • How to Know if Your Pet Needs Winter Gear Monday, 30, Nov
    • Pet Adoption: Did You Adopt Your Pet or Did Your Pet Adopt You? Monday, 16, Nov
    • ABOUT
    • USEFUL LINKS
    • CONTACT
    • LOCATION

    Copyright | Powered by DVM Galaxy