Older Pet Friends
Neighborhood Veterinary Hospitals of San Diego is pleased to offer a variety of affordable Senior Wellness plans to keep your older pet happy and healthy well into their Golden Years. With early detection and prevention plans, we keep our older patients healthy and happier longer. We also can counsel pet owners on the best ways to keep their pets comfortable into their Golden Years with a variety of options for pain medications and supportive care.
Senior Dog Care Basics
Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of a younger dog. This fact probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. But how do you know when your dog is considered to be a senior?
It really depends on the individual dog. In general, giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. What are some of the things to expect as your dog ages? Your dog may develop arthritis or other degenerative diseases that cause them to slow down. They may not be able to walk as far or play as long and may tire more easily. Senior dogs also frequently suffer from obesity, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and other conditions.
What can you do to help your senior dog?
Schedule regular visits with Neighborhood Veterinary Hospitals of San Diego
Your pet needs to be examined at least yearly if it appears healthy, as many diseases are hidden and not apparent. Remember it is much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to treat it!
Feed your mature dog high quality food items
Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate food for your dog. Specialized foods that are lower in calories are sometimes necessary for obese dogs. Overweight dogs must be fed carefully to ensure that all nutrient needs are met while still allowing your dog to lose weight.