Senior Dog Care: Routine Check-up with Local Animal Hospital

It takes a lot more work to care for an older dog than it does for a younger dog. Even pups don’t need as much attention or trips to the veterinarian in your neighborhood on the South Coast. Your veterinarian will establish a routine check-up plan for your dog based on his age, breed, and lifestyle in order to monitor his health and ensure that he is in good condition. Taking good care of your dog’s teeth will also help them live longer. At Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth, patients can get ongoing care for a variety of ailments and problems. These services include pain management, preventative medicine, and veterinary ultrasonography. That being said, regardless of your dog’s age, you can also rely on Anchor to be your go-to emergency veterinarian in Dartmouth.

Special Care for Senior Dogs

Your senior dog may gain some weight or have a slight decrease in activity, which is often the first thing you will notice about him. In any event, to suit your dog’s specific demands, a diet adjustment is certainly necessary. These days, the majority of the big dog food manufacturers offer a senior recipe mix that provides all the calories and nutrition your senior dog needs. Before selecting a new diet to address any particular difficulties that may be affecting your dog’s health, be sure to talk about your dog’s needs with your South Coast veterinarian.

When a pet ages, dental disease and gingivitis can become more prevalent, making dental care even more crucial. If this is left untreated, infections and tooth loss can worsen and have a significant impact on your dog’s general health and lifespan. Dogs who are becoming older frequently suffer from arthritis, which can cause discomfort, stiffness, and make it difficult for them to run, jump, walk, or climb stairs. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended by your nearby veterinarian to assist lessen discomfort and stiffness.

Emergency Veterinarian for Senior Dogs

Although it’s not something anybody enjoys to consider, pets will eventually age. But, the more high-quality care you provide them—including routine examinations, dental treatment for animals, and even diagnostic procedures like veterinary ultrasonography in Dartmouth — the more equipped you will be to take care of them when the time comes. Treatment for several of these illnesses and disorders may be more effective the sooner they are identified. Bring your pet in for a check-up or to visit the Dartmouth emergency veterinarian at your neighborhood South Coast veterinarian’s office if you think they may have any of these diseases.

To avoid more problems and discomfort, eye illnesses such as cataracts, impaired eyesight, foggy vision, and dry eyes should be identified and treated as soon as feasible. Possibly the most prevalent condition in older dogs, kidney disease is easily identified by a straightforward blood test; Certain drugs and foods can contribute to a longer lifespan. Older dogs are more likely to suffer from Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism; both conditions are curable and can improve your dog’s health and lifespan urinary issues – bladder stones are more common as people age, and if a big stone becomes lodged, it may cause a blockage; Early diagnosis can be aided by routine x-rays and veterinary ultrasonography in Dartmouth.

Other Concerns for Senior Dogs
Abnormalities in the valves, such as thickening of the valves, can cause issues with blood flow and ultimately end in heart failure; Once more, heart disease may be slowed down in its course with early identification and treatment from your South Coast veterinarian. Old age, some food allergies, and other insulin-related difficulties can cause blood sugar problems in senior dogs. Medication and dietary adjustments can assist with these issues.

Prostate problems, such as cysts, abscesses, infections, and abnormal enlargement, are problematic for intact males; cancer: Although not all forms of cancer are fatal, prompt treatment is necessary for the best chance of recovery; incontinent issues, which can range from tiny leaks to large amounts of urine, can occur when sleeping or lying down; Your pet’s life and quality of life can be increased with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; in certain situations, a cure may even be achievable.

Schedule a Routine Check-Up

Make an appointment for a check-up with your South Coast veterinarian if your dog is senior or approaching the “senior” age group. Find out everything you can about how dietary adjustments, more frequent veterinarian checkups, routine testing — such as veterinary ultrasonography in Dartmouth — and preventative care may all contribute to the long-term happiness and health of your family pet. To discuss caring for your older dog, give us a call at 508-996-3731 and talk with one of our kind veterinary technicians.