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SENIOR DOG AND SENIOR CATS
As our best friends age so do their needs, by adapting everyday things around the home and understanding their nutritional requirements we can make sure our pets live a comfortable and happy life in their older years. The most important to remember is that identifying problems early is key to providing a longer and happier life for your senior pet.
What is the Evervet Seniors Program?
The aging process in pets is a natural progression, much like in humans. Determining when a pet reaches their senior years varies based on species, breed, and size. Recognising the signs of aging in pets is crucial for tailoring their care to their changing needs.
The senior wellness plan works to identify health risks early. Once alerted to a problem we work to minimise its impact and delay its progression. The cornerstone of the plan is a complete examination every six months. At each visit a careful assessment of your pet’s health and wellbeing is performed. General advice is given, and specific written recommendations are made for you and your pet.
Click here for more information: Seniors Program
Common Health Challenges in Senior Pets
As pets age, they become more susceptible to various health issues. Understanding these challenges helps in providing appropriate care and early intervention:
Arthritis and Mobility: Joint issues and decreased mobility are common in senior pets. Providing comfortable bedding and adjusting exercise regimens can ease their discomfort.
Dental Health: Dental problems can escalate with age, leading to pain and potential health issues. Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings are essential.
Cognitive Decline: Senior pets might exhibit signs of cognitive dysfunction, such as disorientation or behavioural changes. Mental stimulation and specialised diets can help manage these symptoms.
Organ Function: Heart, kidney, and liver problems can become more prevalent in aging pets. Regular vet check-ups aid in the early detection and management of these issues.
Caring for Your Senior Pet
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: Increased frequency of vet visits allows for the early detection of age-related health issues.
Nutrition: Tailoring a senior pet's diet to meet their changing nutritional requirements is crucial. High-quality, easily digestible food helps manage weight and support their overall health.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Customising exercise routines to suit their capabilities and providing mental challenges can maintain their physical and cognitive health.
Comfort and Safety: Ensuring a safe and comfortable environment is essential. Accommodate their limitations by offering softer bedding, easy access to water and food, and minimizing obstacles in their living space.
Caring for our senior pets is a deeply enriching journey, demanding understanding, patience, and, above all, love. As these loyal companions have bestowed unconditional love and joy throughout their lives, it becomes our duty to reciprocate by ensuring their golden years are embraced with utmost comfort, care, and compassion. Recognising and tending to their evolving needs ensures their later years are as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
End-of-Life Care and Quality of Life
Recognising when a pet may be approaching the end of their life is an important aspect of senior pet care. Discussing end-of-life care options with your veterinarian ensures your pet's comfort and quality of life in their final stages. This might involve palliative care, pain management, or discussions about euthanasia.
Health Considerations
PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE
A full physical examination is performed by the vet every six months. We check eyes, ears, teeth and mouth, heart, chest, abdomen and joints. Lifestyle, behaviour, diet and exercise are discussed.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
We can’t turn back time, but regular visits mean that we can recognise problems as they emerge and do everything possible to minimise the effect they have on quality of life.
TAILORED TO YOUR PET
Every pet is different. Some develop arthritis, many struggle with their waistline, and others have bad teeth, skin irritations or stomach problems. Heart disease is not uncommon, and lumps grow most often in older patients.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS
Early diagnosis improves outcomes for many age-associated diseases. Blood and urine testing can identify problems well before we see any physical changes and so a complete blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis are performed at the first visit each year.
UNDERSTANDING THE VITALS
At the first visit each year screening blood and urine tests are performed. For cats, thyroid disease and high blood pressure are common, treatable diseases and so we check for them also.
CREATE AN EASY LIFE
Have peace of mind knowing you are able to plan for your pets’ future whilst they have a higher quality of life. Carefully manage your pet’s care with happy, low-stress vet visits.
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