Is Your Aging Pet Trying To Tell You Something? 4 Ways To Care For Senior Pets

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats and small dogs are generally considered geriatric around the age of seven. Large breed dogs tend to have shorter lifespans and are considered geriatric at approximately six years of age. Just like humans, aging pets can develop a host of health challenges and complications.

Some of the health problems that aging pets experience include:

  • Arthritis
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Weakness
  • Senility

4 Ways To Care For Senior Pets

1) Unfortunately, our older pets can’t tell us if they’re experiencing aches and pains or other signs of distress related to aging. As a result, aging pets require extra attention, including more frequent veterinarian visits. Older pets should have semi-annual wellness exams rather than just once a year to monitor for signs of illness. Senior pet exams may include blood work to check that organs are functioning properly and a urinalysis to check blood sugar levels.

2) Geriatric pets often need foods that are easier to digest, and that have appropriate calorie levels with anti-aging nutrients. Knoxville Pet Food Company—a member of the My Pet’s Animal Hospital and PetWellClinic® family—offers guaranteed premium pet food products at low prices that you can pick up at one of our locations. The Hill’s® Prescription Diet® g/d® Aging Care, JM Joint Mobility®, and Purina Pro Plan Savor Senior Formula products are all exceptional options for geriatric pets.

3) Because older pets’ immune systems are not as strong as when they were younger, they can’t ward off diseases or heal as fast as they once did. For this reason, it’s crucial to keep senior pets on a parasite prevention program year-round and to keep their vaccinations up to date.

4) Often pets will exhibit behavior changes before any medical signs become apparent. If your pet begins to show changes in behavior—such as increased irritability or anxiety, confusion, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, having accidents in the house, or increased vocalization or sensitivity to sounds—talk with your your veterinarian about the changes you’ve observed.

PetWellClinic® can help you determine if your pet is developing health problems related to aging, and can advise you on how best to help them have a healthy, long life. PetWellClinic® offers quick in-and-out service during convenient evening and weekend hours with no appointment necessary. To see how we’re able to offer more affordable pet care without compromising quality, take a look at our free and quick guidebook to see how PetWellClinic® can save you time and money.

PetWellClinic® has three locations: 10549 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922; 7329 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; and 228 S. Calderwood Street, Alcoa, TN 37701. Learn more about how PetWellClinic® can exceed your expectations for top quality, affordable pet care by visiting our website at www.petwellclinic.com.