What can we do to help your Golden Oldies?

Watching our pets grow old can be difficult; they might struggle with the games they used to enjoy playing, they may sleep a lot more than they used to or struggle to get up after a rest, and sometimes it can seem that they don’t enjoy the cuddles and fuss they once begged for. But slowing down is part of life, and we owe it to our best friends to give them the care and comfort they deserve as they encounter these age-related challenges.

At All Creatures, we understand the heartache of watching a beloved pet struggle to walk, when it seemed like only yesterday that they could run all day without tiring. We can’t stop time, but we can help you make proactive decisions that can make all the difference to your pet’s quality of life. Our goal is to help you ensure that your senior pet still enjoys every day to the full!

Treatment at the clinic

Following assessment at our clinic in Little Island, we will create a bespoke treatment and exercise plan, taking your pet’s abilities and level of comfort.

Depending of your animal’s abilities, this may involve time on our state-of-the-art underwater treadmill that offers a unique way for pets to exercise in a low-impact, low-stress, warm water environment. This can help to alleviate joint pain, improve circulation, reduce swelling, increase range of motion, and help to prevent muscle contraction and atrophy from lack of use.

Looking after them at home

If you’re happy to continue the work between sessions, we will give you a personalised exercise plan to carry out at home that may include gentle walks, low-impact play, and straightforward exercises to help keep those joints moving because gentle, frequent motion is like lotion for those joints!

We can also help you to assess your pet’s home environment. As they get older, it’s important to provide soft but supportive bedding in a quiet, warm, draught-free location to allow your pet to relax and catch up on those well-earned naps. Some animals can benefit from ramps for easier access, and mats or non-slip adhesive tape to help them grip on slippery surfaces. Whatever your pet needs, we’re here to offer advice and support!

If you’d like to have a chat about how to give your older dog a better quality of life, feel free to give us a call.

Our senior pets have given us a lifetime of love — let’s ensure their quality of life in their golden years!