Aging well isn’t just a human problem. With proper care and attention, many older pets can stay vigorous and energetic, aging gracefully well into their senior years. Regular adjustments to key lifestyle factors, like diet, nutrition, activity and exercise levels can make a big difference to your pet’s health and wellness throughout the golden years.
By keeping your dog healthy and properly addressing age-related health problems as they arise, you boost your dog’s psychological well-being too, avoiding depression that often comes with poorly managed health problems.
Dr. Babette will work closely with you to develop an individualized wellness maintenance plan that’s perfect for your older dog. In addition to adjusting and monitoring important lifestyle factors, there are an array of highly effective, non-invasive alternative treatments, including acupuncture, which can keep your dog in peak condition.
Learn about a personalized wellness plan developed By Dr. Babette for these pets.
Since dogs are individuals with their own unique challenges, histories and genetics, no wellness plan is the same. As a qualified veterinarian and skilled practitioner of many alternative therapies, Dr. Babette is uniquely qualified to craft a wellness plan that meets your dog’s specific needs in the safest, most effective way possible.
The first step is to observe your dog and notice changes that may signal a need for changes to promote wellness. Observe your dog and ask yourself these questions:
- Have you noticed a slowing of movement?
- Does it seem harder for your dog to get up after sleeping?
- Are stairs or steps a challenge?
- Is my dog less interested in playtime?
- Does my dog run less, or at all?
- Are “doggie accidents” starting to happen around the home?
- Does your dog have a problem sitting? Or getting up to stand?
Pain is a big problem for older dogs, but the good news is that Dr. Babette has an array of excellent treatments to deal with both acute and chronic pain in aging canines. Observe your dog and try to identify the following behaviors. They are nonverbal cues that may indicate your dog experiences pain, and could benefit one or more pain treatments:
- No longer wagging tail
- Bending one leg while trying to stand on all fours
- One paw being smaller in size, usually noticeable when standing
- Holding their head in an unnatural position
- Uneven hip levels
- A flinching reaction when certain spots on his or her spine are gently pressed
- Not eating all of their food until nighttime
If your dog is experiencing pain, Dr. Babette can help. Treatment options include several non-invasive, alternative therapies, including acupuncture, massage and chiropractic, ultrasound, and Laser therapy, among others. Laser therapy is particularly beneficial to aging dogs that may have difficulty tolerating surgery or drugs.