Important Tips on Senior Pet Care
As your local Oakdale, NY veterinarian, we know how important senior pets can be to a family. It is critical to adjust your pet care for your senior pet. Dr. Keith L. Parendo is happy to share these essential tips on senior pet care from St. Francis Hospital for Animals.
Schedule Regular Vet Appointments
As pets enter old-age, it is critical to bring your pet in to see the vet more often. Our veterinarian will advise you on the frequency of the appointments based on your pets’ health. Bringing in your pet more frequently will help our vet catch health issues earlier and prevent the problem from becoming severe, which could result in expensive care.
Diet Adjustments
Older pets typically become less active and as a result, if their diets are not changed, they could gain weight. Obese senior pets can quickly develop serious health issues. Our vet can recommend a reduced-calorie diet to help prevent weight gain.
Make Adjustments in Your Home Environment
Making changes to your home is an integral part of senior pet care. It can be more challenging getting around as your pet ages. You may want to consider setting up some pet steps so that they can access the bed or couch with ease. Also, you can elevate their food and water bowls for easier access. Older pets also tend to get cold more quickly, so a warm sweater is essential.
Regular Exercise and Mental Health
Your senior pet may be a bit slower; however, it is still critical to make sure your pet gets the appropriate amount of exercise. If your pet can no longer handle long walks, it is important to take your pet for shorter but more frequent walks. Mental health is also a vital part of senior pet care. You should use toys as well as food puzzles to help keep your pets’ mind sharp in its older years.
Veterinary Care in Oakdale for Senior Pets
If you are interested in learning more about senior pet care, reach out to St. Francis Hospital for Animals today at (631) 567-1359. We are happy to provide the residents of Oakdale, NY and the surrounding communities with all of their pet care needs.