Caring for pets is a huge responsibility. They rely on you for everything including food, shelter, love, affection, and medical care. As your pet ages, it will rely on you even more. There is a lot that you need to know regarding taking care of a senior pet. Fortunately, Dr. Ferreira at Ferreira Animal Hospital in Miami specializes in senior pet care and can give your pet the care it needs. Let’s look at some of the things that become more important as our furry friends get a bit older.
New Diet
Your pet needs a well-balanced diet to maintain its health. When your pet gets older, it will not have as much energy as it once did, which can result in obesity. Senior pets should eat food that is high in nutrients and low in calories to compensate for your pet's reduced activity.
Regular Exercise
Your pet will become less active when it gets older; therefore, it is up to you to make sure that it gets some exercise every day. If you have a dog, you can take it for a walk each day or a low-paced jog. A walk each day will keep your pet from becoming overweight and it is beneficial for your pet’s overall health.
Regular Grooming
As your pet gets older, its coat can begin to look dull and brittle. The skin can get dry, flaky, and irritated. These changes can affect your pet's comfort and appearance. Schedule regular visits with the groomer to keep your pet looking and feeling great. Regular visits to the groomer will keep your pet's fur from becoming matted and tangled. The groomer can use a natural shampoo that will heal the dry skin and coat.
Regular Visits To the Veterinarian’s Office
Pets of all ages should see the veterinarian every year. When your pet gets older, you should schedule visits to the vet every six months. This will help our vet detect conditions that often affect senior pets so we can begin treatment early.
Get Great Senior Pet Care in Miami, FL
Senior pets need extra care and should visit our veterinarian at Ferreira Animal Hospital more frequently. Dr. Ferreira has a great deal of experience regarding geriatric pet care, so you will have peace of mind knowing that your senior pet is getting the best care possible. Call us today at (786) 275-4629 to schedule an appointment with our vet.