Lancaster Vets has launched a Senior Pets Wellness Campaign this autumn that aims to help pets stay happier and healthier longer.
During the campaign which runs from October, the particular practice in Bowerham Road is offering advice to assist owners care for their older animals and raise awareness of common health issues that will affect them.
Clare Burrows, deputy head nurse, said cats and dogs are living to greater ages than they used to, which means that while we get more time to enjoy their company, they will be at an increased risk of developing health problems.
She stated: “Pets are much-loved members of the family, and all of us want to do all we can in order to keep all of them happy plus healthy, whatever stage associated with life they are at. The health needs of pets will change as they get older, but by making adjustments at home and keeping the close eye on them, we are able to keep them comfortable and help them enjoy life for longer.
“Through our Senior Wellbeing Campaign we all want to let proprietors of older pets know we’re here to offer guidance and support, and to encourage them in order to get in touch if they notice any changes in their own pet, even if they may be quite subtle. You might think that if your pet slows down or starts eating less,
it’s just a normal part of the ageing process, yet these could be signs associated with an underlying health condition that needs investigating.
“The good news is that many health conditions can be treated and successfully managed to maintain the quality of your pet’s life, especially if they are spotted at an early stage. ”
Common signs of a health issue in older cats plus dogs include slowing down, weight loss, drinking and urinating more, difficulty eating, coughing and loss of vision. Illnesses affecting senior domestic pets include arthritis, dental disease, kidney illness, heart condition and hormonal problems such as diabetes.
Clare said the practice has launched senior wellness appointments with experienced veterinary nurses, specially designed to meet the health needs of old cats and dogs. Comprehensive blood profiles are also being offered at a reduced cost during the campaign.
“If you’re at all worried about your pet, the best thing is to bring all of them in to the exercise and we may give them a nose-to-tail check and talk about any concerns you may have.
“Even pets without medical conditions can benefit through coming inside to see us as our own team can offer tips plus advice and preventative healthcare to assist you keep them in good shape for years to come. ”
To help you give preserve your older pet happy, Clare has come up along with seven tips: –
1. Seek advice from your own vet in case your pet is showing any modifications in movement or behaviour, such as stiffness, reluctance to exercise, a change of appetite or even sleeping in unusual places.
2 . Make sure everything your veteran pet needs is easily accessible, so they don’t have to go far to find water, food, toys or their particular bed. Have a second source of water to help them keep hydrated.
3. Book regular dental checks. As well as being a chance in order to spot signs of a problem, a scale and polish to remove tartar before it causes damage may save money inside the long term and prevent pain plus tooth reduction.
4. Keep your pet in a healthy weight. Obesity can affect mobility and make conditions like joint disease worse.
5. Groom your pensioner furry friend to help boost blood flow, eliminate matted hair and assist spot issues such as skin disease, lumps and incontinence.
6. Exercise older dogs little and often plus avoid or limit vigorous activities like playing ball that may make sore joints worse.
7. Older pets may need a lot more rest, therefore provide them with somewhere quiet where they won’t be disturbed, in a supportive, cosy bed away from draughts.
As part of the Senior Pet Health and fitness Campaign, Lancaster Vets has produced information sheets about veteran pet healthcare, which are available free from the practice.
There will also be special offers on senior pet food and some senior pet health services throughout the campaign.
