Congratulations on your
success
at caring for your pet for all these years!
► YOUR AGING PET
Your pet is getting older, but the care you give throughout its lifetime can minimize and prevent disease as he or she ages. Proper care includes periodic checkups, routine vaccinations, parasite control, dental examination, regular exercise, and a good diet.
As pets age, two types of changes occur:
1) Age related changes:
Age related changes, such as vision and hearing loss, are normal, and develop in most animals. These changes cannot be prevented, but we can help you and your pet to adapt to these changes.
2) Pathological changes:
Many pathological changes or diseases can, on the other hand, be prevented or successfully treated. With good care to promote health and prevent disease in geriatric pets, your pet can remain healthy and active well into its twilight years.
We can help you to determine what foods, medications and procedures will improve the length and quality of your pet's life. Your help is needed to carry out any treatment recommended.
One of the most important keys to helping your dog or cat live longer is meeting his or her dietyary needs. Obesity and weight loss are both common in older animals. Kidney, liver, or heart problems may change a pet's requirements for sodium, phosphorus, protein and fat. Changes in activity levels and muscle mass are common in older animals, as are changes in their ability to digest and utilize nutrients. We can help you determine the type of food and supplements that is best for your aging pet. With regular examinations and follow up care by KCVF, together we'll help ensure that your pet continues to be your loving companion in the years to come.
► PLANNING FOR YOUR PETS FUTURE
ASPCA offers some very good advice about how to create a plan to make sure your pet is always cared for, even after you're gone. CLICK HERE
► Senior Pet Check List
If you observe something different in your pets behavior, please see our checklist and make notes for your next office visit.
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More Senior Pet Information:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RESOURCES:
Information below will take you to other websites
❥ ADOPTION OF SENIOR PETS
☑ AdoptAPet.com for listing of available senior pets in your area
❥ PAIN: Detection and Management
☑ Clues to Detecting Fluffy and Fido's Painful
Secrets
via AAHA, Healthypet.com
☑ Where Does You Pet Fall On The Pain Scale?
via AAHA, Healthypet.com
❥ SENIOR PET CARE
☑ The Golden Years, via AAHA, Healthypet.com
☑ Aging: Dogs, via ASPCA
☑ Aging: Cats, via ASPCA