As your pet ages, his dietary and nutritional needs will change. Regular visits to the veterinarian ensure that your pet’s diet is evaluated and changed as needed. If you notice that your pet’s behavior, personality, or health has changed recently, schedule a visit with your veterinarian to find out if your pet’s diet needs adjustments.
Have Your Veterinarian Evaluate Your Pet’s Diet Annually
Only a professional veterinarian should determine if your pet’s diet is sufficient to meet his dietary and nutritional needs. Don’t ask strangers on the internet, friends, or family for advice on what to feed your pet or how often he should be fed. Instead, have your veterinarian evaluate your pet’s diet annually. Your veterinarian has the experience, expertise, and tools needed to accurately measure your pet’s dietary needs and determine what food is best.
Know How to Change Your Pet’s Diet as He Ages
Ask your veterinarian how your pet’s diet should change as he ages. Most pets need to start eating senior pet food at around age 7, but every pet’s specific needs and health are different. Your veterinarian can let you know if your pet needs special vitamins, supplements, or medicated food as he ages. Some pet food can help reduce your pet’s risk of age-related health issues like blindness, dementia, fatigue, weight gain, kidney problems, and heart failure.
Look Out for Signs Your Pet’s Dietary Needs Aren’t Being Met
Be on the lookout for signs that your pet’s dietary needs aren’t being met. Watch out for warning signs like excessive thirst, peeing more or less frequently, constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue or listlessness, excessive panting, itching or scratching, and overeating or refusing food.
If you think it’s time to change your pet’s diet but you aren’t sure where to begin, contact your veterinarian and schedule a checkup for your pet.
