Senior Pet Care
Cats are typically assigned senior status once they reach around 10 years old. Dogs can have a wider range in ages before they become seniors.
Senior Pet Care in Hiawatha, KS 66434
On top of a graying coat, your pet’s body develops special needs as they grow older that our team at NEK Veterinary Services in Hiawatha, KS, can help you meet.
Learn How to Provide the Best Senior Pet Care
Trying to figure out what is going on with your pet’s health is hard when you can only look at aging from a human standpoint. Pets often experience many of the same age-related changes as humans, yet there are some significant differences. A veterinarian on our team can let you know if your furry friend’s breed places them at risk for issues that can include painful arthritis in their hips and legs. We can also help you know when to switch your pet to a special diet that gives their body the nutrients it needs in the senior years.
Watch for Signs of Health Problems in Senior Pets
Pets often communicate their health needs through changes in their behavior that can indicate that it is time to take them to the animal hospital for a thorough exam. For instance, your pet might suddenly begin to walk strangely, if it has bone loss in its limbs or experiences arthritis. A pet that stops eating normally might be dealing with age-related digestive changes, and it is also common for animals to experience cognitive decline like their human companions. If your pet engages in repetitive behaviors, seems more anxious than normal or exhibits excessive whining, then they may be in discomfort.
Work with a Veterinarian to Keep Your Pet Comfortable as He Ages
Senior pets don’t have to suffer as they get older. A veterinarian on our team can help give them pain medication to safely address their arthritis symptoms. A special diet can help to keep their joints more limber while also easing digestive discomfort. If your pet struggles with more anxiety during this time in your life, then a vet on our team can also make recommendations to help them stay calm. Often, making small changes such as assisting them with managing stairs can prevent pain and injuries as your pet ages.
Schedule Your Pet’s Senior Care Exam at Our Animal Hospital
Is your pet graduating into its senior years? Our team at NEK Veterinary Services in Hiawatha, KS, is here to help every animal feel his best as they move into this new stage in life. Give us a call today to book an appointment and begin learning how to care for your senior pet. Call us at (785) 742-2147 for more information.