Geriatric Services For Domesticated Pets
Senior pets often require increased veterinarian visits, diet modifications, and home environment changes. Animal health services that a veterinarian offers to geriatric pets will aid with identifying ailments and preparing some alterations that a pet owner can establish.
Geriatric Pets
A geriatric pet is an elderly pet. Cats, dogs, and any other domesticated animal can be classified as a geriatric pet when they reach a specific age. Animal types and breeds vary and there may be different variables that will be indicative of whether or not a pet will require specialized services for seniors.
Your pet's veterinarian can explain to you when you may begin seeing some changes in your pet's behavior. Your pet may not be as limber as they used to be or may have trouble jumping or running, once they have reached a senior age.
Common Issues
Joint function loss, cancer, heart ailments, hearing loss, and kidney failure are some issues that older pets may face. Your pet's veterinarian may request that your pet undergoes a physical examination a couple of times each year.
An examination will detect any problems that could potentially get worse. Examinations that are performed may be more in-depth than the ones your pet received when they were younger. Testing blood and urine and examining the teeth may be included during each office visit.
Alterations
An older pet may require more nutrients or food products that are easier for them to digest than products that they used to consume. Your pet's vet will discuss dietary changes that will support a healthy and active lifestyle. If your pet is overweight, you may be advised to put your pet on a restricted diet. This type of diet will still supply all of the essential nutrients and vitamins that your pet needs.
If you own an animal that is struggling to climb the stairs in your home or who tends to have incontinence issues that require them to be taken outdoors more frequently, the vet may suggest that you move the bedding where your pet sleeps.
Placing barricades next to staircases and keeping your pet within close proximity to a door will minimize injuries and limit the number of accidents that your pet incurs, due to frailty and incontinence issues. Any changes in your pet's behavior or physical status should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian in a prompt manner. This will allow you to receive updated medical guidance.
Contact a local pet geriatric service to learn more.
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