You’ve
probably heard the adage that dogs age about 7 times faster than people do. For
cats and small dogs, the rate is typically a little slower. Once a dog or cat
reaches these tender senior years, their health needs tend to change,
increasing the need for more frequent veterinary visits and more attentive home
care. The Veterinary Emergency Group in White Plains has provided the following five tips to help
you keep your senior pet healthy during their golden years.
1. Stay
Updated on Wellness Exams
Pets of
all ages need a comprehensive wellness exam at least once a year, but since
senior pets are at a greater risk for certain health problems, we recommend
that they receive a wellness exam at least twice a
year. Your family veterinarian can examine your senior pet from nose to tail to
ensure that they are healthy or provide treatment and/or diagnostic
recommendations if necessary. Some of the most common conditions that affect
senior pets include arthritis, dental disease, heart disease, and kidney disease.
Your veterinarian can also provide counseling on a number of age-related issues
and address any concerns you have about how to care for your senior pet from
home.
2. Keep
Your Pet Active
Senior
pets tend to become less active as they age, but that doesn’t mean they have to
spend their days lying on the sofa, warming the cushions. Just as it is with
humans, exercise is an important part of overall health—for all ages. Try to
walk your dog a few times a week, starting first with slow walks of about 5 or 10
minutes, so you can determine his ability level before increasing the time. In
general, keep the walks brief and slow, with consideration to your pet’s
ability and health status. If you have a cat, give her a few minutes of active
playtime every day, whether it’s by chasing a laser light, pouncing on a toy
mouse, or batting around a food puzzle. Regular exercise can help keep your pet
healthy by preventing obesity, improving their mobility, and keeping their
minds engaged.
3. Make
Your Home Senior-Pet-Friendly
If your senior pet has arthritis
or other joint issues that affect their mobility, you can help by making your
home more accommodating for them. Add ramps and/or steps to beds and couches,
if you typically allow your pet to sleep on these furniture pieces. Block off any
stairs in your home with a gate as well to prevent accidental falls and
injuries. Watch your senior pet closely so you can offer assistance whenever
necessary. One of the most common emergencies we treat here at The Veterinary
Emergency Group is fractures, but by taking these steps to make your home safer
for your senior pet, you can decrease the risk of a fracture or other injury.
4. Monitor
Your Pet’s Diet
Your senior pet’s dietary needs
are likely to change with time, so it’s important to buy a food that meets
these needs. If your pet has weight issues, it’s best to buy a food that’s
designed specifically for overweight pets (low-calorie, etc.). If your pet has
digestion problems, consider a food that’s designed for pets with gentle
stomachs. Your family veterinarian can discuss your senior pet’s specific
dietary needs and provide recommendations for the best foods to keep them
healthy.
5. Monitor
Your Pet’s Oral Health
Dental
disease is one of the most common diseases that affects senior pets. In fact,
more than half of all domestic dogs and cats have some form of dental disease
by just 3 years of age. A mouth that’s neglected can result in gum disease,
which can eventually affect the liver, heart, and kidneys, putting your pet’s
life at risk. The good news is that you can prevent gum disease and other oral
problems by staying up-to-date on your pet’s oral exams, scheduling cleanings with
your family veterinarian whenever necessary, and brushing your pet’s teeth from
home.
Contact
your family veterinarian to learn more about how to best care for your senior
pet, and contact us
The Veterinary Emergency Group at (914) 949-8779 if you ever have a pet emergency.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
