tvpjournal.com | September/October 2016 | T O day' S Ve T erinary Prac T ice
P rac T ice BU i L din G Peer r eviewed
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the family. e ncourage pet owners to create bucket
lists for their pets and then help them enjoy doing
those things with their furry best friends. (Have
you seen the Subaru commercial? i f not, visit
barkpost.com/subaru-bucket-list.)
Keeping the pet's mind active and alert can make
a huge difference in quality of life.
• Owners can modify typical pet games to
accommodate their geriatric pets. For example,
instead of tossing the ball in the back yard, the
owner can roll the ball to his dog while the pet
is in bed.
• Long walks can be replaced with inside
activities, such as hide and seek—a game many
dogs enjoy.
• Simple, short, and frequent walks around the
house can help maintain core muscle.
• Pets with a high food drive may love a Kong toy
(kongcompany.com), filled with favorite treats,
or unique bowls (aikiou.com) that encourage
pets to seek out food in compartments.
When dealing with an aging pet, the topic of
when it is time to euthanize is bound to come up.
Providing activities that enhance a pet's quality of
life also gives the client a way to evaluate quality
of life ( d oes the pet still enjoy the activity? c an
the pet participate?), which helps them answer the
question about when to euthanize.
IN SUMMARY
There is much we can do to help pets live
comfortable lives as super seniors. Our ability to
recognize and manage pain, anxiety, hygiene,
and other signs that may affect quality of life has
advanced in recent years.
Our profession continues to seek ways to
identify the unique needs of both clients and
patients as the end of life approaches, as well as
find best methods for communicating effectively,
setting realistic expectations, and guiding pet
parents in the care and management of their
geriatric companion animals.
e mbracing this final life stage and helping
owners manage their geriatric dogs and cats can
be life changing for the pet. i t may not only
extend pets' lives, but what time they have left
can be lived with less pain, less anxiety, and more
fun!
West: 800.745.4725
East: 800.872.1001
Test Express: 888.397.8378
www.ANTECHDiagnostics.com
ANTECH
Pre-Op
Diagnostics
ANTECH Diagnostics provides you the
peace-of-mind you need when your
patients require anesthesia, surgerical
procedures and general dentistry.
At ANTECH, it is not just a blood test,
it is our patient too!