Caring for older animals
As your beloved pets gets older, it can be hard to accept that they are not as athletic and physically capable as they used to be. Older pets get new and more complex requirements and it is important for owners to recognise and understand these needs.
However, if any health issues are managed well, there is no reason why your pet cannot still enjoy a wonderful quality of life.
Some of the issues that can affect older animals are:
- Reduced hearing
- Poor eyesight
- Problems with teeth and difficulty eating
- Worn joints and arthritis
- Dry skin and Skin irritations
- Lower energy levels
- Reduced immune system
- Incontinence
- Deteriation of internal organs, such as heart or kidneys
- Weight issues – either weight loss through poor digestion or weight gain due to being less physically active
Giving the best quality of life
It is so important that we break down any barriers of not seeking help for a pet for the fear of being told that it needs to be put to sleep. We know that owners can put off seeking help as they are afraid of that they may be told – but thanks to advances in medicine and care, there is so much that can be done for the older pet.
Like all vets, we believe in doing everything we can to give each animal the chance of as much life as possible. We will work with you to give your treasured pet the best possible quality of life.
Regular health checks
Making sure that your pet has a regular health check is vital to maintaining their wellbeing in old age. We recommend that your pet sees their vet at least once a year (when they have their annual vaccination booster) and more frequently if you have any concerns.
Find out more about how we can help your senior pets
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