If you have an older pet in Durham, NC, you know how important it is to find an animal hospital that is familiar with the issues that face your senior animal. At New Hope Animal Hospital, we have been providing residents of Durham, NC with reliable senior pet care services for many years. Follow these senior pet care tips to keep your animal happy and healthy.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Making sure that your pet has regular check-ups is an essential part of maintaining his or her health. Even if there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with your pet, our veterinarian needs to establish a picture of your pet in good health so we can recognize when your pet needs medical attention. Regular examinations will also be able to catch small problems before they turn into larger ones.
Adjust Your Pet's Diet
Senior pets need fewer calories than younger animals. Their diet needs to have the same amount of nutrition, however. Our veterinarian will make diet recommendations based on the needs of your senior pet. Also, be aware that as the teeth of a senior pet start to wear out they may no longer be able to eat hard, crunchy dry food. In this case, it may be necessary to replace this type of food with wet food.
Keep Your Pet Moving
Just like people, the more your pet moves the healthier he or she will be. Regular walks and runs, playtime, and outside exercise will help to build muscle and improve cardiovascular fitness. Moving regularly will also help to improve your pet’s mental health.
Hearing and Vision Loss
As your pet ages, he or she may start to lose his or her vision and hearing. As this happens, you may need to modify your home to remove potential dangers that your pet might not hear or see. Also, be sure to mention signs of these types of hearing or vision problems to our veterinarian. Our veterinarian will determine what is causing your pet’s hearing and vision issues and recommend treatment accordingly.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian for Senior Pet Care in Durham, NC
If you're looking for a veterinarian in Durham, NC to provide senior pet care, contact New Hope Animal Hospital today. Call us today at (919) 490-2000 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.
