Senior Dogs

Veterinary Medicine has provided more knowledgeable care and with improved nutrition dogs now live longer, healthier lives. Yet, with this, like humans, the corridor of time has its effects on your pet. You may first begin to notice your dog has slowed down a little. Being aware of the natural changes that can occur as your dog grows older, and what you can do to keep your dog as healthy as possible can give surety that you both enjoy the later years of your dog's life.

Senior Dog Information at Klima Small Animal Clinic

Senior dogs need regular checkups at your veterinarian's at least twice per year. Klima Small Animal Clinic recommends every 6 months, as adult dogs can age as much as 6 years within one calendar year. As well as the usual complete physical examination, Klima Small Animal Veterinarians may recommend and conduct a urine and fecal analysis in addition to blood work. X-rays and other imaging tests may be recommended by our veterinarians to detect any early onset of heart disease or internal organ changes.

As your dog gets older he or she will gradually experience changes, which are very similar to that of humans. Their hair turns gray, their bodies are not as flexible as early in their lives, their reflexes are not as sharp, eyesight, and hearing and sense of smell may deteriorate as well as their energy level. Their attention span lessens; in reality, the first real signs of aging you may notice would be a decrease in activity, combined with tendencies for your pet to sleep longer and more soundly. These symptoms may be more prevalent in the larger breeds of dogs and may appear as early as 8 years of age. While smaller breeds of dogs may remain youthful until around 12 years of age. Nevertheless, a healthy dog will remain youthful longer if he or she has not been affected by diseases or adverse environmental problems and has been neutered or spayed before 6 months of age. This process does vary among dogs and breeds.

Klima Small Animal Clinic will provide assistance and sound medical advice for you and your pet family member as they get older.

Most important, you as your pet's main source of information to his or her veterinarian should note any changes in their condition or behavior. Some problems, may be treatable medically, you may be assume that your dog is getting older should be relayed to your pet's veterinarian. For example, an unwillingness to exercise at their normal rate may not be from just getting older, but from the onset of a heart condition or arthritis, both of which can be managed through medication. Semi-annual checkups can aid your veterinarian in working out a defensive health curriculum for your pet and hopefully spot any medical problems early enough to ensure your pet family member senior years will be healthy and blissful.

Feed the best food you can afford and consider two small meals instead of one large one per day.

Don't overfeed-overweight dogs have many health issues and may shorten your pet's life.

On the recommendation of the veterinarians at Klima Small Animal Clinic, consider using dietary supplements, such as glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis.

Your Senior dog still needs exercise, make sure it is available to him in accordance with his physical capabilities.

Get informed-conditions and diseases that are common for your senior breed of dog, be watchful of symptoms, and if they arise, call Klima Small Animal Clinic without delay.

Have Klima Small Animal Clinic veterinarians perform a risk assessment to determine an suitable vaccination protocol for your dog.

Dental Health is very important, brush your senior's teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally when advised.

External parasites do carry diseases; controlling ticks and fleas in your pet's environment and sleeping areas will properly protect your senior pet from these pests.

Give your senior dog a lot of love and attention and do all you can to keep him interested, active, happy and comfortable.

show