SENIOR
PET CARE TIPS
 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. Good
nutrition is
critical to good health at all ages, so be sure your pet is on a
proper diet. Check with your veterinarian for a healthy meal program
that suits your pet's needs. 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. The
first sign of aging is a general
decrease in activity level,
including lethargy, a tendency to sleep longer, a waning of
enthusiasm for long walks and fun activities such as catch. These
symptoms could also be indicative of an illness and may warrant
a trip to the veterinarian. Hearing
loss is
a common consequence of aging, as is some deterioration of sight. As
aging advances, heart, liver, and kidneys lose their efficiency, and
the immune system is less able to fight off attacks by bacteria and
viruses. Bladder control may be affected, and muscles decrease in
size and function. Check your
pet for fleas and ticks. Fleas can carry tapeworms and cause
allergies; ticks can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme
Disease. Older pets are more prone to these diseases since they
have a decreased ability to fight off parasites. 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. Use
a baby gate to keep your pet away from the stairs or carpeted areas
to avoid bathroom accidents and/or injury. 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. Kelly's Pet Sitting has experienced pet sitters that know how to care for senior pets and what to look for if your pet has any changes in behavior or health that require attention. Call us today for all of your pet sitting needs: 541-601-7461 or fill out the Request for Service Form on our website: kellyspetsitting.net. |
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