Wellness at Every Age

As your pet ages, you may find yourself wondering how to make the most of your time together. At Bryant Drive Animal Hospital, our Tuscaloosa veterinarian can provide senior pet wellness checkups. Our vet, Dr. Harold Threadgill, will detect age-related problems early and help your pet get back on track.

How To Support Your Senior Pet’s Health

The best thing you can do for your senior cat or dog is taking them in for regular checkups. Our vet will answer any questions you have and keep an eye out for common health issues at that age range including:

• Diabetes
• Hearing and vision loss
• Joint issues
• Cancer
• Kidney problems

So what else can you do to support your pet’s health?

Balanced Nutrition

Mature pets tend to be less active as they age. They need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. You want your pet to avoid getting overweight as this can lead to health complications and shorten their lifespan.

However, your pet also needs quality calories. This means a diet with the right kinds of fats, vitamins and minerals, proteins, and more. Our veterinarian can help you work out which food brands and how much food is right for your senior pet.

Encourage Active Pets

Pets naturally slow down a bit as they age. However, there are ways to encourage your pet to get more active. Some ideas include:

• Managing pain such as from arthritis
• Helping your pet get better sleep
• Playing with your pet with appealing toys
• Installing a dog ramp so your pet won’t have to struggle down the steps

Stay Ahead of Dental Disease

Bad breath and plaque are more serious than you may realize. Dental disease is a kind of inflammation that can strain your senior pet’s heart, kidneys, and livers. Infections in the gums might even get into the bloodstream and the brain. That’s why it's important to maintain your pet’s dental health.

Make Your Home Senior Pet Friendly

Senior dogs and cats thrive in a clean, organized home environment with a set daily routine. This is especially true for older pets with hearing loss, poor vision, or blindness. If your pet has lost its vision, you may want to pet-proof your home. Our veterinarian can help you brainstorm ways to create a safer environment for your senior pet.

We’re Your Tuscaloosa Veterinarian

Pets’ health and wellness needs will change during their lives. At Bryant Drive Animal Hospital in Tuscaloosa, we understand the specific challenges to senior pet wellness. Our veterinarian, Dr. Harold Threadgill, can help your cat or dog get the most out of their golden years. Call us today at (205) 758-5520 to set up an appointment.