Senior Pet Care

We at Valencia Veterinary Center believe that caring for your senior pet is essential to keep them happy and healthy through their Golden Years. Every pet is considered a “senior” after the age of seven years of age. There are five important steps to help you care for your senior pet:
1. The first step is preventative care. The care includes a senior wellness examination, which should be done every six months, and blood work, which should be done at least once yearly as well. The senior wellness examination helps make an early detection of any disease or illness.
2. Step number two consists of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. There are diets that are specifically designed to meet your pet’s age and needs. Choose a diet that is low in fat and higher in protein to prevent weight gain and promote muscle health.
3. Step number three, keep a close eye on your pet’s dental health. A daily examination of your pet’s mouth will go a long way. Look for any redness of the gums, bad breath, swelling around the mouth, and pay close attention to your pet while they are eating to identify any signs of pain. If any of these symptoms go unnoticed it may lead to further complications that may threaten the health of your pet.
4. Step number four is the promotion of exercise. A pet that stays active will have less joint problems in the future. To promote joint health, ask your local veterinarian about a good daily joint supplement to add to your pet’s diet.
5. Last but not least, an educated pet owner is a happy pet owner. Try to familiarize yourself with common diseases and illnesses; early detection of symptoms can help save your pet’s life. Some common diseases and illness are: kidney disease, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, etc.
If you can take these steps and implement them into your pet’s life, they will stay happy and healthy.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Valencia Veterinary Center at 661-263-9000.