3 Tips for Senior Pet Care from a Phoenix Veterinarian

When you adopt a pet, you're committing to caring for that animal for its entire life. Here at North Central Animal Hospital in Phoenix, our veterinarian is dedicated to helping you with senior pet care. Here are some of our top tips for adjusting to this stage in your pet's life.

Senior Pet Wellness and Preventative Care

Many of the things you've been doing to care for your pet its whole life are the same things you'll do in his or her senior years, but with some modifications. You should still make sure your pet is eating appropriately, though this may mean using a new type of food formulated for older animals. Continue going for walks and playing in the park, but you may have to slow down to accommodate arthritis or other conditions.

Benefits of Getting a Routine Pet Exam

Although it's important to have routine pet exams throughout your pet's life, it's especially important in their senior years. Most veterinarians recommend that senior pets have a routine exam every six months. By having more frequent visits, we are better able to catch diseases early and provide life-saving treatment. We are also able to establish baseline levels of your pet's health so we can easily identify when something is off.

Why Senior Pets Need More Attention

As your pet ages, he or she may have trouble moving around, seeing, or hearing. However, having you nearby is a huge help. When your pet has spent its whole life with you, it knows you very well and can more easily pick up on your cues. Pay attention to when your pet needs extra help, and be there for support. This ensures your pet still feels loved, valued, and needed in the family.

Contact Us Today!

If you're looking for a veterinarian for your senior pet, call us at North Central Animal Hospital in Phoenix. You can reach us by phone at (602) 395-9773 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you make the most of your senior pet's life.