- Visit the practice for a senior health care exam at least every six months to monitor changes in your pet’s health.
- As your pet approaches senior status, your veterinarian may recommend basic blood and urine tests as a baseline for measuring future changes. Regular blood testing can help identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.
- Note changes in behaviour or appearance. Treat simple medical problems, such as incessant ear-scratching, immediately. A trip to the veterinarian can get problems under control early, before they become major problems requiring more extensive treatment.
- Switch to a quality senior food that provides enhanced levels of key nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin E and beta-carotene, reduced fat and added joint support.
- Ask your veterinarian to clean your dog’s teeth regularly and follow the cleaning with recommended dental care at home.
- Provide light to moderate exercise. This will help with weight control and keep muscles toned.
- Groom your senior pet at least once each week. Check for lumps, sores, parasites and foul-smelling ears or discharge. Older pets may need to he bathed with medicated or moisturizing shampoo.
- Maintain a familiar routine and environment to minimize stress.
- Keep your senior pets as comfortable as possible in the summer and in the winter. Provide them with warm comfy beds off the cold floor, coats to provide a little extra comfort and in the summer think about clipping hair shorter to keep them cool.
- Give them plenty of TLC
