Caring for Your Senior Pet
The health needs of our pets change as they get older, so it's important that pet owners adapt to meet their pet's evolving health requirements. Every animal is unique, so you'll need to talk to our team to learn more about when your pet is considered a senior. Large dog breeds are typically considered senior at around age 5-6, whereas smaller dog breeds may be considered senior at around 10-12 years old. Cats reach senior age at around 11 years old. To get a clear understanding of your pet's current health requirements, call our office! Attleboro Veterinary Clinic is one of the leading vet clinics in Attleboro! Our team consists of veterinary experts who have been serving the community of Attleboro for years. We are committed to providing the highest level of care at an affordable price. Call our office to schedule your pet's next visit with us!
Nutrition is one of the key aspects of a senior pet's wellness. As your pet ages, their nutritional needs change, so their body may require some adjustment to their diet or the addition of supplements. Your pet's nutrition helps fuel their body, maintain their energy, and it helps to prevent and manage some health conditions. Annual wellness check-ups from our vets in Attleboro MA will help monitor your pet's nutritional needs as they age. At their regular visits, we can run diagnostic testing to check for any vitamin deficiencies or health concerns. From there, we can make the proper recommendations to help your pet thrive well into their golden years. Make sure you are bringing your pet in at least once a year for a full check-up and physical. We may recommend that older pets and pets with chronic health conditions come in for more frequent visits.
Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions in senior pets. Pets can develop gum disease and dental decay just like humans, which can be concerning for their overall health. Oral health is directly connected to physical wellness, so your pet needs to have their teeth and gums checked out annually. Any irregularities may be a sign that your pet has an underlying health condition, and they may require treatment. Trouble with your pet's teeth and gums can cause difficulty chewing, and it can be painful for your pet. Health conditions that may show signs in your pet's smile include kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease. Make sure you are bringing your pet in to visit one of the top vet clinics in Attleboro at least once per year.
Another common issue for senior pets is arthritis. Pets can develop discomfort and pain in their joints which may cause them to slow down. This pain can be managed with some physical therapy and possibly even treatment from our vets in Attleboro MA. Arthritis is a common issue for all senior pets, but you can help reduce their discomfort with some simple lifestyle changes. Try to keep your pet as active as possible to help preserve joint health. However, if your pet is unwilling to engage in some activities, don't push them. Your pet knows their limits and this lack of interest may be to avoid discomfort. Try to keep your pet on one level of the house so that they don't need to use the stairs, which can be difficult to climb as they get older. If your pet isn't very active, it's important that you monitor their diet. Inactive pets can easily become overweight, which can contribute to joint pain and it can lead to other serious health issues. Protect your pet's health by maintaining a healthy weight for their breed, age, and size.
To learn more about how you can take excellent care of your senior pet, call our office to schedule a visit. Our vets in Attleboro MA can help your pet enjoy their golden years! Call Dr. Russell Siegel's office at (508) 226-8046 and schedule your pet's next visit.