Senior Pet Care in North Austin and Pflugerville
Compared to younger pets, senior pets are at higher risk for diseases and chronic conditions. This means that older pets need special care in order to stay healthy and maintain good quality of life. As your pet's veterinarian in North Austin and Pflugerville, we can help you take care of your senior pet. We offer advice to pet owners. We also offer preventative care for senior pets in our community.
Senior Pets Have Special Needs
You may need to adjust your pet care habits as your pet ages. Some of the things pet owners need to do to care for their older pets include:
- Special diet. Older pets often need less protein and smaller portions. Many commercially prepared pet foods offer special foods for senior pets.
- Make your home more accessible. Some pets get arthritis when they age, and this can make it harder for pets to get around the house. Specifically, going up and down stairs may become very difficult for your pet. As a pet owner, you may need to install ramps to help your pet stay mobile.
- Watch your pet for signs of chronic illness. As your pet ages, it will become important to watch your pet for changes in behavior that signal medical problems. Knowing what to look for can help your pet get medical care when he or she needs it.
Take Your Senior Pet to the Vet Every Six Months
At Dessau Veterinary Clinic, we recommend that all senior pets come in to the vet's office for checkups every six months. We'll check your pet for chronic conditions, and help ensure that your pet is healthy. We'll also keep your pet up to date on vaccinations, to help your senior pet resist illness and disease.
Contact Your Pet's Veterinarian
As your pet's veterinarian, we're committed to the task of keeping your senior pet healthy. To find out more about healthcare for older pets, contact us today for an appointment at (512) 339-3177.