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Understanding Changes in Your Pet’s Veterinary Care as He Ages

Your pet’s health needs will change over time, and the veterinary care he received as a puppy is different from his healthcare needs as a senior pet. Your veterinarian may recommend proactive or preventative health measures as your pet ages, or may suggest different medications or vaccinations. Here are some of the ways your pet’s veterinary care should change as he ages:

Regular Screening for Common Health Problems

As your pet ages, he will need routine screenings for common health problems that affect older pets, like diabetes, kidney and liver problems, and heart disease. Your veterinarian may recommend twice-yearly health exams and routine laboratory testing. This can provide early detection so that your veterinarian can catch problems right away and provide the best treatment and care. 

Change in Nutritional Needs

Senior pets have different nutritional needs than young pets. They may need food that has fewer calories, or that provides added protection against kidney and thyroid issues, weight gain, and vitamin deficiencies. They also need more protein, fiber, and fat. Your veterinarian may also suggest that your pet start taking nutritional supplements and vitamins for further protection. 

Exercise Becomes Even More Important

Exercise becomes even more important to senior pets. It can protect against weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. Exercise also provides the mental stimulation your pet needs to prevent cognitive decline and depression. As your pet ages, your veterinarian may suggest modified exercise routines to account for signs of arthritis, mobility issues, or pain. 

Look Out for Behavioral Changes

It’s important to be aware of and watch out for signs of behavioral and cognitive issues in your aging pet. If your pet is confused, disoriented, irritable, aggressive, lethargic, and disinterested in his normal activities, you should make a veterinary appointment right away. Also watch out for insomnia, decreased appetite, excessive thirst, mobility problems, refusal to groom, and incontinence. 

If you’re not sure whether your pet’s healthcare needs have changed, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a routine checkup.

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Monday – Saturday: 7 AM to 6 PM
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