As they age, they begin to need more attention to their health
When you decide to adopt a pet you need to be aware that, in addition to love, it will need care, especially if it is elderly or has a health problem. “I observe from my routine that the main health problems involving dogs and cats are, first of all, behavioral. Then, skin diseases, which have different causes,” says veterinarian Rammana Bello da Silva.
According to the professional, animal survival has increased satisfactorily in recent times, “so we have many geriatricians in veterinary medicine, so heart disease, nephropathy and cognitive dysfunction are also part of the routine,” she explains. Obesity It also tends to affect dogs and cats a lot at this stage of life.
Needs of senior dogs
As we age, new health problems begin to appear. At this time, in addition to all the care, pets need love and attention. “Some may have pre-existing conditions and need treatment health care more often. I am pets more sensitive to heat and cold, they become more lethargic, have episodes of mental confusion and a more selective appetite. For this reason, it is ideal to visit a trusted vet every 6-8 months,” says the vet.
It is normal for older dogs to noticeably lose movement, which is why they cannot go out on their own. “However, there must be regular exercises to make the muscles work. To this end, we use physiotherapy for these purposes. Through specific exercises and equipment we can exercise this pet with limitations”, explains veterinarian Caroline Moretti.
Preventing diseases in older dogs
One of the best ways to contribute to the early diagnosis of diseases is to maintain adequate monitoring. “To this end, visits to the vet and check-ups need to be more frequent. According to this, the vet can plan treatments through medications, nutrition, physiotherapy, acupuncture, among others. Furthermore, any disease will be diagnosed early, increasing the favorable prognosis”, explains Caroline Moretti.
According to veterinarians, it is extremely important to understand that older dogs have limitations and, therefore, adapt their routine. “From increased visits to the vet to changes in the environment,” advises Caroline Moretti. She recommends reducing obstacles, avoiding going up and down stairs and paying particular attention to nutrition, which should be specific to older dogs.
Time increases love
If the care grows over time, the love and bond with the child’s family pet Also. “An older dog is a companion, he no longer has one puppy euphoria, however, is a true friend. He knows every member of the family. You already have your space inside the house, your quirks are already defined. Another great advantage is the progress of Veterinary Medicine, before the survival of a pet was between 10 and 12 years, depending on the size, today we have animals from 18 to 20 years and, above all, with a good quality of life”, says Caroline Moretti So, take care of your best friend, to make the most of every phase.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
