Pet Wellness Care For Every Stage of Life

If it makes sense to feed puppies and kittens age-appropriate food, then it’s equally important to apply this same approach to all the different facets of pet care. The approach to a pet’s wellness is largely dependent on their age. By acknowledging the specific requirements for each unique stage of life, we can prevent a variety of issues, promote overall well-being, and achieve a high quality of life no matter the age. 

The Whole Pet

Preventive veterinary care is designed to see and treat the whole pet at any given time. While routine visits have the potential to catch problems before they begin, regular appointments are also linked to effective treatment of most issues. 

As there are many components of veterinary care, including disease prevention, dental care, nutrition, behavioral support, surgery, and more, we aim to make regular veterinary care accessible throughout a pet’s entire life. 

Highly Customized Approach

We can understand a great deal about a pet’s health simply because of their age. We begin with a generalized understanding, and then refine our scope to match their own individual health details. The most important aspects of pet wellness that are consistent throughout each stage of life include:

• Routine veterinary exams
• Vaccinations
• Nutrition, weight management, and exercise 
• Dental care
• Training, socialization, and enrichment

When these fundamental components of pet wellness are closely considered and monitored, pets have the greatest chance to thrive. 

Puppy and Kitten Care

The first few months of a young pet’s life are critical. Not only is there an enormous focus of socialization and training, but vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and parasite prevention are all designed to keep a young pet as healthy as possible. Maintaining many aspects of training will help young pets grow into confident, trusting adults and reach vital behavioral and physical milestones. 

Close attention to puppy and kitten nutrition helps to support rapid growth and development, but as they age their calorie needs will change. We can help you develop a nutritional plan to maintain excellent health while limiting unnecessary pounds and ounces. 

Adult Pet Care

Depending on your pet’s lifestyle and breed, they may benefit from certain vaccination boosters as they move through adulthood. When they stop growing (around age one for most breeds), pets need fewer calories. Daily activities can keep them healthy, fit, and strong for all the years to come. 

Dental care becomes extra important in adulthood, especially since the majority of all pets over age 3 have dental disease. We can help you with dental care tips at home and discuss the importance of annual cleanings (scaling, polishing and X-rays) under general anesthesia. 

Senior Pet Care

Around age seven, pets are considered seniors. At this point, they may benefit from a moderate diet of high protein and fiber to keep muscles strong. Protecting the kidneys, joint health, and immunity become a priority. 

Senior pet care must also include changes in the home that boost safety and security, and promote indoor enrichment and comfort. Pain management may become central. 

As pets age they become more prone to certain illnesses. With routine wellness exams every 6 months we can detect and treat problems with greater efficacy. 

Pet Wellness for the Win

If you have further questions about what to provide during each unique life stage, please call us at (616) 457-9200. Our team at Jenison Animal Hospital is always here to help.