Feeding Senior Pets

Dogs are generally considered to be in their senior years when they are about 7-12 years of age. Large canine breeds enter the golden years earlier than smaller breeds of dogs. As for cats, they are considered to be seniors when they are about 10 years of age. Considering that they have entered a new lifestage, there is a need to switch to an appropriate diet to help keep them happy and healthy. Distinct body changes soon take place as they enter their senior years. Their metabolic rate decreases which is due in part to an overall decrease in the lean body mass as their body fat increases. This is one reason why senior pets tend to gain weight even if they are consuming the same quantity of food just a few years back. Your pet’s diet is just one of the important topics that you should discuss with your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD during your pet’s wellness check.