Pet owners are fortunate that, thanks to the continued progress of veterinary medicine, our animals are living longer. However, just like humans, our petsβ requirements for care and attention escalate with age. Regular check-ups, age-appropriate diets, early detection and treatment of potential diseases, and providing supportive care all contribute to their continued wellness into their golden years.
Pet owners are fortunate that, thanks to the continued progress of veterinary medicine, our animals are living longer. However, just like humans, our petsβ requirements for care and attention escalate with age. Regular check-ups, age-appropriate diets, early detection and treatment of potential diseases, and providing supportive care all contribute to their continued wellness into their golden years.
That depends on the type of pet. As a rule of thumb, cats are usually senior once they hit eight (8). If you have a dog, it will depend on its breed. However, theyβll typically be considered senior when theyβve reached the last quarter of the life expectancy for their breed.
The veterinarians at Lynnwood Animal Hospital are dedicated to helping your pets lead a healthy and comfortable life as they age.
That depends on the type of pet. As a rule of thumb, cats are usually senior once they hit eight (8). If you have a dog, it will depend on its breed. However, theyβll typically be considered senior when theyβve reached the last quarter of the life expectancy for their breed.
The veterinarians at Lynnwood Animal Hospital are dedicated to helping your pets lead a healthy and comfortable life as they age.
You likely know that human nutritional needs change throughout life. Newborns need specific milk or formula, young children need foods that support their development, and so on. Pets are much the same. And like senior adults often eat differently, senior pets will as well.
However, also like humans, the specific needs can change among those senior pets, so thereβs no set guideline to go by. Consult with your veterinarian as your pet ages to understand the needs of your pet and the proper nutritional guidelines.
In addition, exercise is still important. All living beings need exercise, stimulation, and activity. These things keep us all healthy as well as fight boredom and maintain our weight. Your cats and dogs might not be as interested in playing as they once were, but itβs still important. Your veterinarian can give you recommendations for things to try as your pet’s age so that they stay active.
You likely know that human nutritional needs change throughout life. Newborns need specific milk or formula, young children need foods that support their development, and so on. Pets are much the same. And like senior adults often eat differently, senior pets will as well.
However, also like humans, the specific needs can change among those senior pets, so thereβs no set guideline to go by. Consult with your veterinarian as your pet ages to understand the needs of your pet and the proper nutritional guidelines.
In addition, exercise is still important. All living beings need exercise, stimulation, and activity. These things keep us all healthy as well as fight boredom and maintain our weight. Your cats and dogs might not be as interested in playing as they once were, but itβs still important. Your veterinarian can give you recommendations for things to try as your pet’s age so that they stay active.
Recognizing the distinction between normal aging and emerging health issues in older pets can be challenging. Age, among other factors, often necessitates modifications in diagnosis and treatment. Although itβs not a comprehensive list, the following are some of the most common conditions that senior pets face:
Unfortunately, these health problems can sneak in and go undetected for quite some time if youβre not looking for them. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for establishing a health baseline for your pets and for the early identification and monitoring of any health problems.
For most of your petβs life, you probably only needed to see your vet once a year after your pet turned one. After animals hit senior status, youβll likely need to increase those visits to at least twice a year to keep on top of potential health issues. Talk with your veterinarian to determine if additional monitoring is necessary.
Recognizing the distinction between normal aging and emerging health issues in older pets can be challenging. Age, among other factors, often necessitates modifications in diagnosis and treatment. Although itβs not a comprehensive list, the following are some of the most common conditions that senior pets face:
Unfortunately, these health problems can sneak in and go undetected for quite some time if youβre not looking for them. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for establishing a health baseline for your pets and for the early identification and monitoring of any health problems.
For most of your petβs life, you probably only needed to see your vet once a year after your pet turned one. After animals hit senior status, youβll likely need to increase those visits to at least twice a year to keep on top of potential health issues. Talk with your veterinarian to determine if additional monitoring is necessary.
We are always available to address your questions concerning your aging pets. Call (425) 771-6300, email info@lynnwoodanimalhospital.com, or schedule online.