Special Needs for Senior Pets: Geriatric Pet Care

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Special Needs for Senior Pets: Geriatric Pet Care

Article by Bob Hamilton









As you should already know, our pets age differently than we do. Your dog’s particular size and breed will determine when it is considered geriatric, with most dogs developing problems between the ages of seven and ten. Cats are usually considered geriatric between the ages of seven and 12.

As we get older, our body starts to break down. The same thing happens with our pets. Therefore, your senior pet will have special needs you will need to pay attention to. Here are some of the main problems when it comes to geriatric pet care.

The main problem with senior pets is their immune system. Over time, their system will get weaker and be less able to fight off bacteria and other harmful invaders. You should keep an eye on your dog or cat to see if you spot any symptoms of common conditions so you can get them treated as soon as possible.

Your pet’s joints will also start to get worse as they get older. This is a problem for cats as well as dogs. These joint problems usually develop into arthritis, a condition which can make it very difficult for your pet to retain its mobility. You will need to provide a comfortable place for your pet to rest, and they may also need medication to combat the pain.

Another important aspect of geriatric pet care is taking care of your pet’s teeth. Dental disease is common in older pets and can cause various problems such as loss of teeth and gum tissue. Your veterinarian would have to treat these conditions.

Your older dog or cat may also start having problems with their intestinal system. Diarrhea is a common occurrence due to the fact there are usually fewer beneficial bacteria in older pet’s systems. You will need to feed your older pet a proper diet to ensure that he or she does not have any unnecessary problems.

The skin can also be problematic for senior dogs, so you will need to pay attention to its condition. Both dogs and cats will lose the elasticity in their skin over time. This coupled with the fact that less blood will circulate there will increase the risk of skin conditions and infections.

These are some of the main problems senior pets can experience. All dog and cat owners need to pay attention to proper geriatric pet care since their beloved pets will get more and more fragile as they age.



About the Author

Beaverton Vet is the place to bring your dogs or cats when you are in need of a vet. They also offer pet boarding, show standard grooming services, convenient on-line pharmacy, and pet adoption program. Check out http://www.murrayhillvethospital.com/ for more info.










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