Caring for Senior Pets This Spring
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, it's essential to ensure that your senior pets remain healthy and comfortable. At Broadway Oaks Animal Hospital, we love caring for creatures great and small, and helping them live their best lives all year long. In this blog, we turn our attention to seasonal pet care, particularly for our aging pets.
Prioritize Aging Pet Wellness
If your pet is due for a wellness care visit, now is the perfect time to get tailored tips regarding seasonal pet care from your veterinarian. Older pets have different dietary, medical, and lifestyle needs from their younger counterparts, and our team can make sure your pet is healthy and ready to make the most of our warmer days. In the meantime, keep reading for spring pet health tips from our team.
Senior Pet Care for Your Canine Companion
- Hydration: Always provide clean water and ensure your dog stays hydrated, especially during warmer days.
- Exercise: While senior dogs may not be as active as puppies, moderate exercise is an essential aspect of older dog care. Short, gentle walks in the early morning or late evening are best.
- Grooming: Regular grooming helps keep a dogโs coat healthy, and allows you to check for skin issues or parasites.
- Comfortable resting spots: Make sure your dog has a cool, shaded area for potty breaks, as they may be more sensitive to heat.
Senior Cat Health this Spring and Summer
- Hydration: Older cats are typically less active and may be less apt to visit their water bowls as often as they should. Adding wet food to their diet and placing multiple water bowls throughout their living space can help.
- Activity: Encourage gentle play to keep them mentally and physically active. Interactive toys can stimulate their interest.
- Grooming: Older cats may need help grooming themselves. Regular brushing can prevent matting while giving you a chance to check for skin problems.
- Comfortable environment: Create a cool, quiet space for your cat to relax, away from direct sunlight and excessive noise.
More Strategies for Springtime Pet Safety
- Parasite Prevention: Warmer weather brings an increase in ticks, fleas, and other parasites. Use veterinarian-recommended preventive treatments.
- Allergies: Watch for signs of seasonal allergies, such as excessive scratching or sneezing, and consult your vet if needed.
- Heatstroke Prevention: Never leave pets in a parked car, even for a short time. Provide plenty of water and shade during outdoor activities.
- Garden Safety: Be mindful of toxic plants and chemicals in your garden. Keep pets away from areas treated with pesticides or fertilizers.
By following these spring pet health tips, you can help your senior pets stay happy and healthy throughout the spring season and all year long. Please contact us for more seasonal pet care advice or if itโs time for your petโs wellness visit.