As your pet transitions into his senior years, his healthcare needs will change. Your pet’s immune system will not be as strong as when he was younger, making him more susceptible to sickness and disease. At Day Creek Animal Hospital in Rancho Cucamonga, we are well versed in the care of senior pets. We will help you care for your elderly dog or cat so they can live comfortably in their senior years. Here is what you should know about senior pet care:
Senior Screening/Wellness Exams
Senior pets are more prone to developing major health issues like cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and other diseases. At Day Creek Animal Hospital, we offer routine wellness exams and senior screening services for your elderly pet to monitor his health. Through screen services and wellness exams, your Rancho Cucamonga vet can detect signs of health conditions early on when they are easier to treat. This can save your pet pain and suffering later down the line.
We recommend your pet have senior screening services for cancer and other diseases regularly as well as wellness exams semi-annually to monitor his health. During a pet exam, your kit or pup will receive a thorough nose to tail inspection to ensure he’s in good health. If he shows signs of medical issues, we will perform diagnostic testing to confirm his condition so we can recommend the right treatment. Through wellness exams, your pet can enjoy better health as he enters his senior years.
Diet & Exercise Regimen
Older pets aren’t as active as they were in their younger years and their metabolism slows down considerably. If you’re not careful with your pet’s diet, he can easily gain too much weight and become obese. To help counter obesity, we recommend your pet change to a low-calorie high-fiber diet that will keep him healthy without adding extra weight.
We’ll also recommend an exercise regimen for your older pet to ensure he gets the exercise he needs, without putting undue stress on his joints. Arthritic pain can limit your pet’s mobility, making it necessary to adjust his exercise routine accordingly to reduce pain.
Behavioral Health
Elderly pets are prone to physical and mental decline in their elderly years. You may notice your pet’s behavior changing as he grows older. He may become agitated more easily or appear disoriented. A passive pet may show signs of aggression. If your pet is experiencing major changes in his behavior, talk to your Rancho Cucamonga vet. We can help you cope with these changes so you can continue enjoying your pet’s companionship for years to come.
See Your Rancho Cucamonga Vet for Senior Pet Care
To learn more about senior pet wellness and care, contact Day Creek Animal Hospital in Rancho Cucamonga at 909-646-7387 today.