A YORK vet is sharing advice with pet owners as part of a new campaign to help older four-legged people thrive in their golden years.
Tower Vets launched a senior pet wellness campaign this fall to help pets stay happier and healthier for longer.
The campaign runs until the end of December and aims to show that, with the right veterinary care and medication, older cats and dogs can continue to enjoy their golden years, even with health problems.
Veterinary nurse Linda McNulty said cats and dogs are living longer than before, meaning that while we have more time to enjoy their company, they will be at increased risk of developing health problems.
Linda said: “Pets are much-loved members of the family, and we want to do everything we can to keep them happy and healthy, whatever stage of life they are in, but they often need more help and support at dusk.
“Through our Senior Pet Wellness Campaign, we encourage owners to contact us if they notice any changes in their pet, even if they are quite subtle, and let them know that we are here to help. support them and their animal.
“While we unfortunately can’t stop the aging process, we can suggest some things to help them through this stage of their lives and treat specific illnesses and conditions. There are many ways to ensure that senior cats and dogs are happy and comfortable in their golden years, while many of them are still living their best lives.
Common signs of a health problem in older cats and dogs are often subtle changes in their daily behavior, including slowing down, a change in their sleeping patterns, tripping or stumbling, weight loss, increased alcohol consumption and urination, changes in their eating habits. and cough.
Diseases affecting older pets include arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.
Tower veterinarianswhich has branches in Fulford Road, Haxby, Acomb and Knaresborough, has launched senior wellness clinics, specifically designed to meet the health needs of older cats and dogs.
To help you keep your older pet happy, Tower Vets has put together eight helpful tips:
- Ask your veterinarian for advice if your pet exhibits changes in movement or behavior, such as stiffness, reluctance to exercise, change in appetite, or sleeping in unusual places.
- Make sure everything your veteran pet needs is easily accessible, so he doesn’t have to go far to find water, food, toys or his bed. Have a second source of water to help them stay hydrated.
- Book regular dental check-ups. In addition to being an opportunity to spot signs of a problem, a dental assessment that includes scaling and polishing to remove tartar before it causes damage can save money in the long run. and prevent pain and tooth loss.
- Make access easy and non-slip so your OAP can still confidently reach their cat tower or furniture or go up and down stairs without fear of slipping and injuring their joints.
- Keep your pet at a healthy weight. Obesity can affect mobility and worsen conditions like arthritis.
- Groom your retired pet to help stimulate blood circulation, prevent matted hair and help detect problems such as skin diseases, bumps and incontinence.
- Exercise older dogs little and often and avoid or limit vigorous activities like playing ball, which can make joint pain worse.
- Older pets may need more rest, so provide them with a quiet place where they won’t be disturbed, in a soft, supportive bed, away from drafts.
As part of the Senior Pet Wellness campaign, Tower Vets has produced fact sheets on veteran pet healthcare, which are available free of charge at the practice. There will also be special offers on senior pet food and select senior pet health services during the campaign.