Caring for senior pets can be stressful. You love your furry friend and want to make him as safe and comfortable as possible. So how do you do that? Our veterinarians at Sherwood Family Pet Clinic in Sherwood can help. Let’s look at a few tips we can offer when caring for your senior pet.
Watch for Cognitive Issues
Like humans, senior pets can begin to have cognitive issues as they get older. This can be difficult to deal with since it often results in them becoming more aggressive or confused. If your pet shows signs of cognitive decline, talk to your veterinarian about it. We will examine your pet and tell you what you should do next.
Keep Your Appointments
You need to make visits to an animal clinic a regular part of your senior pet care routine. Annual exams can help us catch problems early. Then we can treat them before they become a major issue. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet and ask questions about his behavior at home. You can also bring up any concerns that you might have. By going to your pet’s appointments on time, you make sure that every potential issue is dealt with before it becomes a major problem. If you don’t go to these appointments, we could miss a major health problem until it is too late.
Adapt Your Pet’s Environment
Your pet might need special considerations for his accessibility as he gets older. Watch him for signs that he needs help. For instance, is he having difficulty getting into bed? Provide a step or lower the bed to make it easier for him. If he struggles with stairs, keep everything he needs on the ground floor of your home. While you still want your pet to be active, you don’t want him to struggle or be in pain. Simple changes like this can improve his quality of life significantly.
Show Love
Your senior pet needs your love. You are responsible for his physical and mental health, so you need to show him that you care. Play with him and show lots of affection. These are important parts of senior pet care.
Get Help for Your Senior Pet in Sherwood, OR
Our animal clinic can provide more information regarding to taking care of a senior pet. At Sherwood Family Pet Clinic, we are here for you and your pet every step of the way. If you live in or around Sherwood and have concerns about your furry friend, call our team today at (503) 625-5664 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
