Senior Pets

As pets enter their senior years several changes can occur which owners may notice. By implementing a few small changes to our pet's lifestyle during these years we can ensure they continue to remain active and spritely.

For more information on when your pet enters their senior years please ask in practice.

Dietary changes

The practice recommends that when pets enter their senior years that they are placed onto a complete senior diet. As out pets age their dietary requirements also change and senior diets are designed to implement these changes. This can include lowering calories, lowering phosphorus to aid the kidneys, and added glucosamine to supplement joints.

Please ask to speak to a nurse about senior pet dietary requirements.

Teeth and Nails

As our pets age dental problems can become more apparent. Tartar build up on the teeth can lead to dental disease which may require attention. For more information ask in practice- book your free nurse dental check today.

As our pets age and become less active they may also not be able to wear their nails down as effectively. Long nails must be regularly trimmed to prevent them from getting too long. This can either be done at home with specialised pet nail clippers or owners can bring their pets in to see a nurse to have their nails clipped.

Arthritis

Arthritis comes in many forms- the most common of which is osteoarthritis. This occurs where joint degeneration wears away the joint cartilage- leading to main and reduced mobility,

Hills J/D is a diet specifically formed to aid dogs and cats with arthritis- for more information ask in practice.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can be used for dogs with mobility and arthritis problems, to aid weight loss and to help keep dogs healthy and active. Ask your veterinary surgeon for more information on how hydrotherapy can benefit your dog.

The practice's 7up club

The practice also runs a 7up club- this involves a free 30 minute nurse consult to discuss senior pet changes. We can also advise on ways to help changes such as weight gain/ loss, poor teeth and mobility problems.