Dogs and cats are no different from people when it comes to aging; joints begin to stiffen, eyesight begins to fail and they easily fatigue doing what they use to do happily. Just as an elderly person changes the focus on their health care, so should you refocus the care that you provide your pet as it ages. Chicago animal hospitals are very important when it comes to keeping your pet healthy and comfortable in its old age.
When is a pet old?
It is genuinely hard to actually define when a pet becomes a senior; a lot of it has to do with the breed and the size. Although there is no rigid standard, most veterinarians will tell you that they consider cats and small breed dogs to reach their senior years at about eight years while larger dogs are considered seniors a little younger.
There are certain tell-tale signs that your pet is getting old, it is careful observation of these signs that indicate that they may need more frequent visits to the Chicago animal hospitals that have cared for them in the past.
* You will begin to see evidence of grey around the muzzle and the hair will begin thinning
* The eyes will not be as bright as they once were
* Weight changes; up or down, and
* No longer willing to exercise as they once did
Keeping your pet healthy and happy in its old age:
Chicago animal hospitals are well aware that the most impotent element in keeping an older animal as healthy as possible is preventative care. This aspect of their care is in the hands of your vet, there are however, a couple of things you can do:
* Control your pet’s weight: Obesity is a problem; unwanted and unneeded weight can only add stress and strain to aging joints and puts additional strain on your pet’s heart and immune system.
* Diet: As your pet ages, consult your vet on what changes might be necessary in its diet, older animals often need more protein but it also must be easily digestible.
Even though your senior pet will not be as active as it once was, it still is important that it get some exercise, a good diet and regular visits to your Chicago animal hospitals.
As your pet approaches its senior years, visits to your regular Chicago animal hospitals becomes more important. You can trust the professionals at Metropolitan Veterinary Center to provide the best care for pets of any age.
