Canine Sr. Pet Care

At Animal Care Center of Fort Scott, we provide care for your pet through all stages of life. Since pets age faster than we do, it's easy to forget that they can be considered seniors after just seven years. And as they get older, their health needs change in unique ways that require proper consideration.

We will work with you to develop a health plan that is right for the unique needs of your senior pet. Nutrition, exercise, and the prevention of common problems through regular exams are all ways to help your senior pet stay healthy.

As a pet owner, you want to make sure your pet has the highest quality of life as they age. With proper care, they may even get more time to spend with you and your family, so educating pet owners on proper senior pet care is very important.

Signs of Problems:

Sustained, significant increase in water consumption or urination

Sudden weight loss or gain

Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than two days

Significant increase in appetite

Repeated vomiting

Diarrhea lasting over 3 days

Change in housebreaking

Lameness lasting more than five days or lameness in more than one leg

Noticeable decrease in vision

Open sores or scabs on the skin that persist for more than one week

Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts more than two days

Increasing size of the abdomen

Increasing inactivity or amount of time sleeping

Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas

Excessive panting

Inability to chew dry food

Blood in stool or urine

Sudden collapse or bout of weakness

Seizures

Persistent cough or gagging

Breathing heavily or rapidly at rest

If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, call and make an appointment with your veterinarian. Early detection of difficulties may not only lengthen their lives, but add to their quality of life.

Here are a few links that may help you in helping your senior pet:


http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=229c06ce-b412-4993-9bfe-7300ab21c0d0
http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=a30ec8d3-e85b-4a67-a164-8041b5ee39ea
http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=ada7e50b-e2d1-4667-bb5e-7788617dd683