Zoe

Zoe is getting older and has arthritis. Her mom takes great care of her and  keeps her active with walks. She is able to go on walks because she is kept pain free on her carefully prescribed medication.

Older dogs need to see their vet at least once a year, preferably every six months. One year for a dog is thought to be similar to a seven-year period in human life. Imagine only going to your doctor only once every seven years! Catching problem early on helps keep them pain free and healthy.

There are things that you can watch for that warrant visiting a vet sooner:

•  If their weight has a noticeable change. If they become heavier or slimmer without any change to their diet.
•  If they eating or drinking habits change.
• If they start coughing and it becomes regular.
• If they have lumps and bumps that change fairly quickly in size.

As they age it is even more important that they have good oral hygiene.  Dogs need to have their teeth brushed regularly. Watch for bad breath, if they don’t like being touched around the mouth, or if they have red or bleeding gums.

We all love our pets and keeping them comfortable as they age is a great way to show them we love them.