Caring for a dog in their golden years includes becoming familiar with the best food for elderly dogs available. What kind of food should be provided to them though, and how does it qualify as “the best”? Here’s what you need to know.
Read moreBest Food for Elderly Dogs: What to Give an Aging Pet
The very idea of your beloved cat or dog growing old is something all pet owners try not to think about. We all want to see our pets live as long, happy, and healthy as possible, but unfortunately sometimes illnesses take over. It is not uncommon for major health changes to occur in pets in a short amount of time, which is why it is absolutely imperative you are prepared for the worst and know how to properly care for your senior pet.
Constant exposure to a wide range of environmental factors usually leaves dogs vulnerable to many types of skin diseases. These problems affect dogs of all breeds and ages, but senior dogs are more prone to old dog skin problems because of their advanced age as well as their weakened immune response.
Making sure your dog stays active is an important responsibility that must be included as part of senior dog care. Many dog owners feel their older pets are too fragile to engage in physical activities; however, though they can’t run as fast or jump as high as they once did, senior dogs still need to walk, play or simply do something that gets them moving.
In some cases, of course, conditions such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia will limit a dog’s mobility, but that doesn’t mean you have to discard the idea of a workout or a training session altogether. You simply need to create a pain-free routine that suits your pooch best.
Read moreSenior Dog Care Includes Keeping an Older Dog Active
As your pet ages, you may be faced with the tough decision of having expensive tests done that will determine what type of care your beloved pet cat or dog may need down the line, such as blood work. Many people ask if these tests are truly necessary, and the answer is yes.
There are numerous different technologies that are designed to help your pet live longer, healthier lives. Having blood work done on your older dog or cat will help determine whether or not they are in tip-top shape or lagging because of an infection, anemia or some other problem.
There are many different scenarios where your veterinarian may suggest blood tests, and it is important to be aware of the most common ones in order to provide proper care to your elderly dog or cat. Whether your senior pet is suddenly slowing down and doesn’t appear to be their usual self, or if they have sustained an injury of some sort, it may be helpful to have your vet conduct a blood test to see what is truly going on.
Read moreThe Importance of Blood Work for Elderly Cat or Dog Care