How to Care for Senior Pets

Just how senior citizens require a regimen to maintain good health, providing geriatric pet care for senior pet companions is necessary to ensure they experience an excellent quality of life. Our veterinarians, technicians, and office staff at Shelley Drive Animal Clinic in Tyler, TX, are well-versed in what is required to maintain your senior pet's health.

What You Need to Know

As your pet ages, he or she may develop heart or liver disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, cognitive changes, senility, and changes in their behavior. In many cases, with testing, treatment, and medication prescribed by the veterinarian, your senior pet can age in comfort.

Tips for Caring for Senior Pets

Depending on your pet's condition, there are tips that our veterinarian will discuss with you that you can do at home to support your pet's health.

• A balanced diet that provides the proper vitamins and nutrients is necessary.
• Moderate exercise is also important even for pets with arthritis and/or mobility issues.
• Maintaining regular visits for checkups and receiving yearly vaccinations.
• Keeping your pet groomed.
• Providing an oral health regimen.
• Maintaining an ongoing parasite regimen to keep your senior pet free from fleas and ticks.
• Due to mobility issues that limit your pet's navigating or jumping ability, providing a ramp will help him or she avoid difficult steps.
• Discuss any special accommodations your pet may require.
• With their level of participation limited, sharing quality one-on-one time with your pet, and providing special attention to him or her tops the list of importance to keep your aging pet happy.

As your pet ages and becomes less active, following these tips will help support a healthy and comfortable lifestyle.

Make a Senior Pet Care Plan

The first step in providing geriatric pet care is to schedule an appointment with one of the veterinarians at Shelley Drive Animal Clinic in Tyler, TX. Your pet will receive a comprehensive checkup and a plan of action or ongoing senior care. Our staff will provide the care that your pet needs to live a happy and healthy life. Call us today at (903) 561-7373 to schedule an appointment.