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Your Dog’s Golden Years

May 1, 2020

Did you know that some dogs are considered seniors as early as age seven? Dogs all age a bit differently, with big dogs entering their golden years soonest. As your furry friend ages, you’ll see some changes in his appearance and behavior. Fido will also benefit from some extra TLC. A local Washington DC vet offers some tips on senior dog care below.

Proper Exercise

Obesity is often an issue with older dogs, in large part because they just aren’t as active as their younger counterparts. Don’t let Fido become a complete couch potato! While you don’t want to overexert your pet, it is important to keep him active. Most dogs need at least a daily walk. When it’s warm enough, your canine pal may also enjoy going swimming.

Senior Comforts

Small touches will help keep your canine companion much more comfortable. Orthopedic beds are at the top of the list of doggy luxury items. Fido may also appreciate having elevated bowls to eat from. Pet ramps and stairs will help your dog get around more easily. It’s also important to keep up with your pup’s grooming and dental care needs.

Veterinary Care

Your four-legged friend will benefit from more frequent veterinary appointments as he grows older. Regular exams greatly increase the chance of small changes that could indicate developing issues being discovered early on, which is always beneficial. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight changes. Contact your vet right away if you notice anything wrong.

Diet

Good food is important at all stages of Fido’s life. At this point, your vet may advise making some changes, particularly if your pup develops health issues. For example, dogs with kidney problems may need to eat low-protein food. Your pooch may also benefit from certain supplements. Ask your vet for specific advice, including tips on when and how to switch to senior-formula pet food.

Tail Wags

Last but not least, pay lots of attention to Fido, and make sure he feels loved, safe, and perhaps just a little bit spoiled. The time you have to spend with your furry best buddy will pass all too quickly. Savor this special phase in your pet’s life!

As your local Washington DC vet clinic, we are dedicated to offering great veterinary care. Please feel free to contact us anytime.

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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