If your cat or dog has progressed into their senior years, you might be wondering how you can help them get through the golden years in a happy and healthy state. Here at Uniontown Veterinary Clinic, we understand how essential senior pet care is. Caring for senior pets requires a bit more attention to accommodate their needs as they age. Here are some tips from our veterinarian in Uniontown, OH.

Senior pet wellness involves at least annual checkups, but we often recommend more frequent exams for our aging friends depending on individual needs. We go a bit further in our examinations for seniors, and often include a body conditioning evaluation to determine how we can improve your pet’s life. This helps us identify and necessary dietary changes we need to make, as many senior pets aren’t quite as active as they once were.

Older cats and dogs have special dietary considerations, just as they did when they were maturing. Make sure to select foods specifically designed for seniors, as they typically contain less calories and are often fortified with DHA and EPA fatty acids that are vital to wellness. You might consider adding supplements to your aging pet’s diet such as glucosamine and chondroitin that help with mobility and joint issues.

It might seem silly to brush your pet’s teeth, but just like with humans, dental health often reflects overall health. If your pet’s not cooperative during brushings, dental treats and toys can help keep their chompers free of tartar buildup.

Our Hartville veterinarian may offer you suggestions concerning how you can help your pet’s longevity through age-appropriate exercises. We encourage you to consult with our experts before making drastic changes in physical activity.

If you have a small aging pet, consider adding foam steps leading to couches or beds that they’re allowed to frequent. Pet beds, towels and blankets on floors can help arthritic or cold-natured pets sleep more comfortably, as well.

We provide complete healthcare programs for dogs and cats of all ages. If you desire experienced veterinarians to evaluate your pet for geriatric wellness exams, contact us at Uniontown Veterinary Clinic today to schedule an appointment.