When a pet reaches the senior stage, it will undergo a lot of changes. Pets will often become less playful and energetic, and they may have more pain than they did when they were younger. It's common for older pets to get arthritis and this can cause trouble with their mobility. Your pet may not be able to run around, jump up on furniture, or climb the stairs anymore.
During this stage, you need to pay attention to senior pet care to help your pet be as healthy as possible. The care that you provide is important to your pet’s well-being. When your elder pet needs senior care, you need a vet to help out. Our veterinarians at West Boca Veterinary Center in Boca Raton are here to help your senior furry friend.
Diet and Exercise
Because geriatric pets have less energy and will play less, they have a tendency to put on weight in their senior years. This means that special care has to be taken with their diet. There are many senior pet foods on the market that have fewer calories to better serve the needs of older pets. Talk to one of our veterinarians about the best ones for your pet. Senior pet care also requires helping your pet get more exercise. You should start this slowly, walking with it a short way until it can work up to longer walks.
Veterinary Care Visits
Getting older means higher risks of a variety of diseases and conditions, so your pet will need to see a veterinarian regularly. We can check your pet for problems like arthritis, dental problems, and more. You can also make sure that your pet stays on a parasite prevention medication to help it avoid catching diseases from fleas and ticks. The immune system of older pets won't be as strong as that of a younger pet, making your pet more susceptible to these sicknesses.
Contact Our Veterinarians in Boca Raton, FL
When you need a veterinarian for your older pet, our team at West Boca Veterinary Center is here to help your animal companion every step of the way. Call us today at (561) 451-8838 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.