May2012_Treating an Old Dog with New Tricks
If you think it is difficult to get out of bed as these cooler months set upon us, spare a thought for our older pets who feel the cold more than most.
The winter months often bring with them achy bones and arthritic pets, who just can’t seem to get comfortable.
If your dog occasionally suffers from arthritis, the drop in temperature may exacerbate any underlying conditions and you’ll notice a change in their behaviour, such as a reluctance to go up stairs, jump into cars, or even just sit down. The good news is that there are very effective and affordable treatments for arthritic dogs and cats. For example, there are supplements and diets as well as medications we can use to ease the inflammation associated with Osteoarthritis and improve quality of life.
There are also a number of other preventative measures you can take to ensure your pet ages gracefully. In the same way our hobbies have a change of pace as we get older, we should ensure the changes within our pets bodies are accommodated in their lifestyles.
An animal’s metabolism slows down as it ages, and there are specific foods which will support this process and provide essential nutrients that aid in digestion, mobility and vitality. Supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids are essential in their diet and can be found in good quality dry foods for mature pets, whilst also assisting to maintain a healthy weight range.
We also see owners of mature animals lament that their pet seems to be distant and sometimes ‘forgetful’ in its daily routine. This could be a sign of senility, which can surprisingly be treated effectively with special diets and medication. From monthly injections to daily, or even monthly tablets, there are several options we can tailor to suit each pet’s needs.
Just because our beloved pets may not be able to play the way they used to, there are many ways to support their lifestyle and allow them a peaceful retirement. Most pets are loving companions right to the end, so take the time to get professional advice on your mature aged pet from Old Mill Vet today, and help them enjoy their twilight years. Call us on 3425 2222.
And, be sure to check out our ‘Pet of the Month’, Tess, who is a shining example of a mature dog whose various health complaints have been addressed.
If your dog occasionally suffers from arthritis, the drop in temperature may exacerbate any underlying conditions and you’ll notice a change in their behaviour, such as a reluctance to go up stairs, jump into cars, or even just sit down. The good news is that there are very effective and affordable treatments for arthritic dogs and cats. For example, there are supplements and diets as well as medications we can use to ease the inflammation associated with Osteoarthritis and improve quality of life.
There are also a number of other preventative measures you can take to ensure your pet ages gracefully. In the same way our hobbies have a change of pace as we get older, we should ensure the changes within our pets bodies are accommodated in their lifestyles.
An animal’s metabolism slows down as it ages, and there are specific foods which will support this process and provide essential nutrients that aid in digestion, mobility and vitality. Supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids are essential in their diet and can be found in good quality dry foods for mature pets, whilst also assisting to maintain a healthy weight range.
We also see owners of mature animals lament that their pet seems to be distant and sometimes ‘forgetful’ in its daily routine. This could be a sign of senility, which can surprisingly be treated effectively with special diets and medication. From monthly injections to daily, or even monthly tablets, there are several options we can tailor to suit each pet’s needs.
Just because our beloved pets may not be able to play the way they used to, there are many ways to support their lifestyle and allow them a peaceful retirement. Most pets are loving companions right to the end, so take the time to get professional advice on your mature aged pet from Old Mill Vet today, and help them enjoy their twilight years. Call us on 3425 2222.
And, be sure to check out our ‘Pet of the Month’, Tess, who is a shining example of a mature dog whose various health complaints have been addressed.
