Kelly's Pet Sitting
Loving In-Home Care For Your Pets
PET LOVERS BLOG
Blog
Senior Pets Need Love Too!
| Posted on 15 June, 2014 at 4:40 |
SENIOR
PET CARE TIPS
 That sweet look; that graying muzzle, those fading eyes that still adore you. If your pet is now a senior it is time to return the favor for all of the faithful years of unconditional love they have given you. Read the following tips on how to take care of your senior pet, and of course, consult your veterinarian to make your pet's final years as healthy and productive as possible. Preventative
care Taking
care of a senior pet can be difficult, but there are many things you
can do to make the process a manageable one. Below are a few
preventative tips to help manage the aging process. Annual
visits to the veterinarian for
protection from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus
and kennel cough. Annual heartworm and intestinal parasite
checks are also important. Good
nutrition is
critical to good health at all ages, so be sure your pet is on a
proper diet. For
dogs, exercise is
imperative to keeping them in good shape. Exercise can mean adding
years on to a dog’s life. Other
steps a pet owner can take to delay the onset of aging in their pets
include:teeth
cleaning to
prevent gum disease; grooming to
keep the skin and coat healthy and to be aware of any problems such
as dry skin, thin or brittle coat, thin coat, body odor, or sore
spots; and checking
the ears for
odor or gunk produced by infecting organisms. Extremes
in temperature and
changes in surroundings can affect aging pets. Skin
and coat can also change as
the skin loses pliability and the capacity of the oil-producing
sebaceous glands diminishes. Wounds heal more slowly, allergies often
worsen, non-malignant tumors may appear in the mouth or on or under
the skin, and infestations of intestinal parasite may occur. If
your pet is stiff, let them walk it out; don't rush them to get up.
Be aware of when they last went to the bathroom and remind them when
they need to go out. If
your pet’s coat and skin dry out, brush them more frequently
to stimulate the production of natural oils and ask your
veterinarian for shampoo and skin care recommendations. Reduce
calorie intake, if necessary, to prevent your pet from becoming
overweight. Ask your veterinarian about a special diet if your pet
needs to lose weight. Most
importantly, be aware of your pet's increased special requirements as
an aging animal. Your pet may not remember to go to the bathroom
outside or to eat, so you may need to remind them. And above all, be
patient. With these simple tips, your pet may live years longer
and better enjoy his/her time with the family. And
if you have a senior pet that needs some TLC or takes medications, we
love and understand older pets and give them the love and attention
they need. Contact Kelly's Pet Sitting in Medford Oregon at
541-601-7461 for your pet sitting, dog walking and overnight pet and
house sitting needs. Our website is www.kellyspetsitting.net |
Categories: dog sitter, dog walker, Medford Pet Sitter, pet sitter Medford, OR, pet sitting, Professional Pet Sitters, senior pet care
Post a Comment
Oops!
The words you entered did not match the given text. Please try again.
Oops!
Oops, you forgot something.