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Pets have been there for us through our good times and our bad times, and as time goes on your special pet will require some care. As your pets age, they're going to have special needs that they may not have had when they were younger. Some may act like they always have; others may become calmer as time goes on. They may develop arthritis or another condition that usually develops as people age. Caring for your elderly pet doesn't have to be difficult, there are simple things you can do to ensure that your pet is well taken care of. Make Sure They Exercise Some pet owners may encourage their pets to lead a less active lifestyle, but physical activity is still important for older pets. Exercise is critical for keeping your pet healthy both physical and mentally. Your dog may not be able to take hikes with you anymore, and your cat may not chase the laser pointer for hours on end, but they still need to be active. Don't Let Them Get Obese Obesity rates have risen in pets along with their human owners, and pet obesity has become an important health issue in the community. Obese animals can have many of the same health issues obese humans can have, and aging along with becoming overweight can pose a serious risk to your pet's health. Talk to your vet about the risks of your pet becoming obese, and see if you need to make any dietary changes to help them lose weight. Consider Your Environment As your pet ages they may not be able to move around as well as they used to, and their usual environment may need to be changed to make their life easier for them. If their pet bed is located up or down a flight of stairs, move their bed somewhere that's easily accessible to them. If you're used to leaving your older dog in the backyard for periods of time, try allowing them more time indoors if their outdoor time seems strenuous to them. Look For Signs of Mental Health Problems Like humans, pets can become senile with old age and may start to act differently than usual. If your cat or dog seems more agitated or becomes violent, talk to your vet about possible solutions to their behavior problems. Maintain Regular Vet Checkups As your pet ages their immune system won't be as sharp as it used to be, so regular veterinary checkups are important to maintaining their health. Make sure that they receive all of their shots on time, and give them regular preventative treatments like heartgard to prevent parasite infestation.
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heartgard, pet health, elderly pets,
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