North Carolina winters can be brutal for a senior pet. With a little extra care, you can protect your senior pet from winter chills and the illnesses they can cause. Smart pet owners will start with a wellness exam from Forsyth Veterinary Hospital in Winston-Salem to ensure their pet is in good health. The following senior pet care tips can help keep your elderly dog or cat safe and healthy all winter long.
Weathering the Storm
Elderly pets aren’t as energetic or strong as they used to be, making them more susceptible to illness or injury. If your pet gets chilled, they could come down with a cold or other respiratory diseases. Keep your senior pet toasty and warm during winter and avoid visits with animals that may be sick to protect their health.
A healthy diet is an essential part of senior pet care. Make sure your pet eats nutritious food and drinks water often during winter to keep his defenses up as much as possible. They will also need playtime or some form of indoor exercise if they are not going outdoors. As your pet isn’t as agile as they used to be, keep indoor fun manageable to avoid accidents. In the event of an accident or illness, take your pet to our animal hospital Winston-Salem without delay.
Pets with Arthritis
Cold weather can aggravate arthritis symptoms, making winter difficult for a senior pet to bear. A warm, comfy indoor environment will compensate for the cold. The movement will keep your dog’s muscles limber so be sure they walk around as much as possible. If you go out, protect their paws with dog booties and put a sweater or vest on to keep them warm. If your pet's condition worsens during winter, contact our animal hospital Winston-Salem.
Stay Upbeat and Positive
Like people, pets can get winter blues. An upbeat attitude can rub off on your pet, helping him to be happy, too. Spend quality time with your pet and shower him with tender loving care. Winter’s a good time to build happy memories to cherish throughout the year.
Schedule a Wellness Exam
To schedule a wellness exam for your senior pet, contact Forsyth Veterinary Hospital at 336-750-6300 today.