Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital’s Blog

Our senior pets have earned the right to sleep as much as they want, resist strenuous activity, and schedule their waking hours around meals. Unfortunately, the majority of aging or older pets can’t fully embrace their retirement because they’re suffering in silence. Arthritis in pets can vary between slightly irritating to downright immobilizing. But with daily support at home and veterinary support, animals afflicted with this disease can continue to enjoy the lives they not only love, but wholeheartedly deserve. 

Raising a pet companion is one of the most fulfilling things pet lovers can do. We watch them as they learn and grow, and develop a strong, unshakable bond similar to our human relationships. In many ways, the unconditional love offered by a four-legged friend transcends other interpersonal relationships.

So, when the inevitable end arrives, it can be extremely devastating. If you have experienced the loss of a pet, we are sympathetic and understanding. This is why the team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital wants to provide you with some gentle suggestions for coping with this loss.

When your pet is prone to accidents, it can be a challenge for both you and your little one. Cleaning up pee and feces on the daily is not something most of us would be happy about, which is why diapers seem like the right choice. There are some great reasons why dog diapers can be useful for pet parents who are experiencing the challenges of poor potty skills. 

The team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital takes a look at dog diapers and their uses, and why they may, or may not, be good for your fur friend.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to encourage heart health among other things in humans. Omega-3 supplements come in many forms and are one of the top selling dietary products on the market. But did you know that they are advantageous for pets as well? 

The team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital is here to tell you why.

What Are Fish Oil Supplements?

Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that are essential to develop the cell structure and promote energy. These oils cannot be obtained from your pet’s regular diet. These essential fatty acids are the building blocks of maintaining a healthy heart and brain. Fish oils are found either in pill or liquid form and contain one or more of the following: salmon, pollack, trout, and tuna. 

If you’ve been a pet owner for any length of time, you’ve likely noticed how often your pet sleeps. Healthy, adult dogs tend to sleep an average of 12-14 hours per day, and possibly even more if they are very active or have reached their senior years.

Although your dog may be commonly found asleep, but having a lethargic dog is no fun, and may be a sign of a deeper health issue. 

Special needs pets have, well, special places in our hearts. After all, they tend to have even more love to give and are equally (if not more) deserving of our admiration. 

Indeed, despite significant physical challenges, an animal with a certain disability can stun us with their exceptional adaptations. A deaf pet, for example, can absolutely lead a happy, healthy and long life. With a little extra support from a caretaker, they can cope with their limitations, stay out of danger, and have fun, to boot!

If you’ve had your cat since they were a kitten, you might look back at those early years with nostalgia. Yet, there’s really nothing like living in syncopation with an older cat. They might be set in their ways, sure, but they are also carefully attuned with the rhythms and patterns of the household. 

However familiar they may be, senior cat care isn’t anything to take for granted. Your aging or senior cat’s ongoing good health stems from your continual assessment and staying in front of any age-related issues.

Music plays an important role in human society, and for many of us, a life without music is difficult to imagine. Music can invoke a wide range of emotions, and certain songs and melodies will forever be attached to important events in our lives.

It turns out that pets may also enjoy certain types of music! If used correctly, music can help pets who suffer from separation anxiety and other issues.

When the weather outside is frightful, most everyone is tempted to snuggle up in the warmth of our homes. Pets are no different, and there may be no sight so sweet as a beloved pet curled up in a toasty place while the wind howls all around.

Indoor and outdoor pets alike can enjoy a little extra warmth, but if you choose to provide a warm spot for them to hunker down it is very important to ensure that there are no hazards. Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital knows that a cozy cuddle spot is just the thing this winter, especially when you keep these heated pet bed safety tips in mind.

Taking care of a pet can be a wonderfully fulfilling endeavor. The unconditional love, those snuggles just when you need them, and the ever-present companionship are unbeatable. Chances are that your beloved pet has been there for you through the good and the bad, and even though it can be difficult to think about, we must be there for them through their ups and downs as well.

Like it or not, at some time or another your pet is going to need you. We all age, and with this process comes the inevitable development of problems. As our pet population lives longer and longer, we are diagnosing cancer at an increasing rate. As many as half of all senior pets are diagnosed with cancer of some type.

While we hope you never need to be in a position to lean on us, please know that Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital is here for you when it comes to understanding and battling cancer in pets.