Keeping Senior Pets Youthful with Nutrition

Course overview

The veterinary healthcare team plays an important role in diagnosing changes in geriatric patients. As animals age, bodily changes occur and organs lose the ability to compensate. These changes may be noticed by owners but not considered severe enough by the family to warrant a visit to the veterinarian. Oftentimes the owners think the changes are just due to old age. The effects of aging are oftentimes subtle and may progress slowly; therefore it is crucial that the healthcare team, specifically the veterinary technician, educate owners about the signs and symptoms seen in senior pets so these symptoms can be addressed as soon as possible. Every animal is an individual, the feeding regimen should take into account each animals specific needs. This presentation will discuss the role of nutrition in senior pets and managing these changes with nutrition.