Caring for Senior Pets

Routine Veterinary Care For Senior Pets
As pets grow older, they are more at risk for health problems including:

• Dental disease
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Hearing and vision loss
• Senility

The best way to stay ahead of any health complications in your pet is through regular wellness visits and bloodwork. Your veterinarian will be able to help detect health issues in the early stages when they’re easier to treat. With regular visits, your veterinarian will be able to recommend changes in your pet's care as needed. It is often recommended that senior pets have an exam every six months to monitor ongoing health issues.

Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Senior pets need to continue to exercise to help stay at a healthy weight, to maintain muscle mass, and to keep them mentally active. 

Senior Pet Proofing
It’s important to look around your home to see if there are changes that can be made to make your senior pet’s day-to-day a little easier, especially if your pet has mobility, vision, or hearing issues. Changes to consider include:

• Setting up ramps if using the stairs has become challenging.
• Keep food, water and litterboxes accessible.
• Switching to a litterbox with shorter sides is often helpful. 
• Keep lights on at night if your pet's vision is declining..

Medication
Many senior pets need help regularly reducing pain and inflammation. Talk to your veterinarian about medications that may be available to help your pet stay comfortable 

If you have any questions about caring for your senior pet or would like to schedule a wellness exam, give SeaPort Veterinary Hospital a call at (978) 283-8883 today!