10 Tips for Good Senior Health

•  Note changes in behavior or appearance. Treat simple medical problems, such as incessant ear-scratching, immediately.  A trip to the veterinarian can get problems under control early, before they become major problems requiring more extensive treatment.
•  Switch to a quality senior food that provides enhanced levels of key nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin E and beta-carotene, reduced fat and added joint support.
• Ask your veterinarian to clean your dog’s teeth regularly and follow the cleaning with recommended dental care at home.
• Provide light to moderate exercise. This will help with weight control and keep muscles toned
• Groom your senior pet at least once each week. Check for lumps, sores, parasites and foul-smelling ears or discharge. Older pets may need to he bathed with medicated or moisturizing shampoo.
•  Maintain a familiar routine and environment to minimize stress.
• Keep your senior pets as comfortable as possible in the summer and in the winter. Provide them with warm comfy beds off the cold floor, coats to provide a little extra comfort and in the summer think about clipping hair shorter to keep them cool.
• Visit the practice for a senior health care exam at least every six months to monitor changes in your pet’s health.
• As your pet approaches senior status, your veterinarian may recommend basic blood and urine tests as a baseline for measuring future changes. Regular blood testing can help identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.

Most importantly Give them plenty of TLC