Eventually, the years come that our beloved pets begin to grow older and older. Your dog or cat might not have the same energy as they did when they were young. Aging pets may require adjustments to their regular care routine. These tips can help you and your pets comfortably adjust to their golden years.

Regular Vet Checks

As your pet ages, it is helpful to increase the frequency of vet check-ups at your discretion. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their pets to the vet at least once a year. Depending on your aging pet’s condition, frequent doctor visits may come in handy. According to Animal Veterinary Medical Association, health problems can be detected earlier and treated sooner with more frequent doctor visits. This allows you to know how your cat or dog is feeling and keep them comfortable.

Patience

You might realize that your furry friend is starting to change their normal behavior. As animals grow older, specific characteristics might begin to change. Practicing patience during this time will allow your pet to feel supported while they adjust as well. Animal Veterinary Medical Association claims that some of these behaviors below may increase with age.

• increased reaction to sounds
• confusion
• increased vocalizations
• increased anxiety
• change in sleep cycles
• gaining or losing weight
• repetitive activity

If you start to witness some of these characteristics, it is essential to consult with your vet. Some behavioral changes are natural, but some could be pointing to an underlying cause. This is another importance of frequent veterinary visits.

Affection

Above all else, one thing that will help your pet during this transition is affection. Your four-legged friend will most likely experience a few changes at a time rather than all at once. With that being said, love and affection will always be a way to calm your pet. Your pet most likely has a favorite thing that you know about; snuggling, petting, belly rubs, etc. Indulging your pet in some of their favorite things can make the transition for them an easier one as well.

Caring for an aging pet is not the easiest thing in the world; that’s why Andes-Straley Vet provides different resources to help. At Andes-Straley, we are dedicated to providing high-quality and compassionate veterinary services to pets of all ages and sizes. For more information on caring for your aging animal, visit us online here today. You may also call us at (423) 378-4443 to make any appointments or schedule consultations needed for your beloved pet. Let us do the work for you so you can focus on loving your furry friend!