Just as with people, pets experience a number of changes – both mentally and physically – as they age. This means that as your animal companion reaches the senior years, he or she will require care and attention that is different from that of a younger pet. By following the tips provided below and working closely with your Niagara Animal Chiropractor, you can help your aging pet navigate the golden years with grace and dignity.
Adjust Exercise Habits – Just because your pet may have slowed down a bit doesn’t mean they no longer need to be active. You just may need to scale down or adjust your exercise routine a little to accommodate the changes your pet may be experiencing. If your senior pet suffers from a condition such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, talk to your Niagara Animal Chiropractor to determine what types of activities would be suitable.
Visit Your Niagara Animal Chiropractor Regularly – As companion animals age, they tend to require more frequent medical care. Instead of a trip to the vet once a year, you may need to bring your older pet in every six months, or more often as recommended by your Niagara Animal Chiropractor. These visits will allow your vet to closely monitor any changes in your pet’s health so they can be addressed in a timely manner.
Offer a Healthy Diet – As your pet’s physical needs change, so do their dietary requirements. There are a number of pet foods on the market that are specifically designed to address the unique needs of aging pets. Ask your Niagara Animal Chiropractor to recommend a quality food that will help your senior animal stay healthy, alert and comfortable.
Make Some Changes to Your Pet’s Environment – As your animal companion ages, they may begin having a difficult time doing some of the things they normally had no problem with when they were younger. You may need to make some changes around your home to accommodate these changing needs. For instance, softer bedding can ease aching joints while elevated food and water bowls can make it more comfortable for your senior pet to eat. Additionally, gating off stairways can help prevent unsteady pets from falling and turning up the lights can assist a pet with failing eyesight.
It’s never easy to see our animal companions grow older, but by following these tips and staying in close contact with your Niagara Animal Chiropractor, you can help your pet enjoy the senior years as healthy and comfortably as possible.
Veterinary Chiropractic care uses non-invasive, manual techniques and adjustments to help treat disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints of an animal. Many people have personally experienced the benefits of Human Chiropractic care but are not aware that it is available to help animals as well. Veterinary chiropractic care helps to promote normal mobility of joints and to reduce pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. Animal Chiropractors perform very specific adjustments to joints and manipulate their associated soft tissue and muscles to help improve movement and return an animal to normal function. To learn more visit https://mainwestvet.com/veterinarian-services/chiropractic-care//