Taking Care of Your Senior Pet
November is “Celebrating Seniors” month at the Village Veterinary Hospital. Every year we like to take this opportunity to remind all of our senior pet owners about the special care our older friends require.
Did you know that…
- Most pets are considered senior once they’ve reached 7 years of age?
- Senior pets should have a physical exam done every 6 months?
- As our pets age their dietary requirements change?
- Routine diagnostic screenings (such as yearly blood work) can help detect problems before you pet feels sick?
Remember, age is not a disease!
The following is a list of things that many people consider to be a normal part of the aging process, but may actually be early signs of serious disease. Book an appointment today if your senior pet is:
- limping
- having trouble getting up or sitting down
- coughing
- drinking and urinating more
- urinating or having bowel movements inside the house (or outside the litter box)
- losing or gaining weight without changes in diet or exercise
- becoming “lazy” or lethargic
- having changes in appetite
- panting when not exercising
- becoming “cranky”
- having trouble seeing or hearing
- becoming withdrawn from the family
- losing fur or getting itchy