As the Vets Says

November is National Senior Pet Month! There is really something special about our senior pets. They have been parts of our families for so long, we know every little thing about them, we can anticipate their every move, and if they could talk we could probably complete their sentences! As our pets age, they need a little extra TLC to keep them happy and healthy. Here are our top tips to help your senior pets live their best lives. 1. Monitor your dog’s and cat’s body condition score. As they get older, they tend to be less active, and that can cause calorie creep. If your pets seem to be getting a little extra “fluffy” around the ribs, it is probably time to cut back on their food a little bit, or encourage them to increase their activity. 2. Don’t skip their annual veterinary examinations! There are several different diseases that our pets can develop as they get older. With regular veterinary exams, your veterinarian may be able to Compassionate care for all animals, LARGE and small Compassionate care forC ompassionate care for all animals, LARGEall animals, LARGE and small and small

pick up on subtle signs that you might miss at home. Early diagnosis and early treatment means our furry family members can live a longer, happier life! Your veterinarian can also check your pet’s body condition score and give you advice on diet and exercise. 3. Have routine bloodwork done at your veterinarian’s recommendation. Veterinarians will often recommend that we perform routine bloodwork for senior pets, even if they look healthy. Some diseases can cause changes that we can find on bloodwork before there are any changes that we can see in the pet’s attitude or behavior. Catching these issues early is important for early treatment interventions to help keep things from getting worse too quickly. 4. Discuss routine dental care with your veterinarian. Imagine if you were 12 years old and had never brushed your teeth… Not pretty, right? Our senior pets can have a lot of tartar built up on their teeth, which can cause gum disease and pain. Regular dental cleanings will help keep your pet’s mouth and teeth clean and healthy. 5. Consider pain medication for arthritis. Slowing down and being stiff and sore doesn’t have to just be a part of getting older! If you think your pet has arthritis (and lots of older pets do), talk to your veterinarian about some options for pain control for arthritis. There are several different options that can make a big difference in how your pet feels and acts! Do you have a senior pet? Visit our Facebook page and leave us a note with a picture and a story about your senior pet! The Princeton Veterinary Hospital is always here when you need us, and always accepts new patients. Call us at 812-385-2733 if you have any questions, or bring your animals in for an exam, no appointment needed.

We are always accepting new patients!

725 E. Broadway, Princeton, IN CALL TODAY! 812-385-2733 princetonvet.net/