About 44% of the pet population across the country are senior dogs and cats. They make up the majority of animals seen in veterinary practice and usually require delicate care as they may be prone to sickness during their senior years.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) created the 2023 Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats to support veterinary teams to meet the needs of these pets that come in varying species, breeds, sizes, and lifespans. The guidelines focus on taking a holistic approach that nurtures a senior-friendly environment for senior pets while taking into account that senior care is multifaceted. The approaches are set to ensure that physical spaces, medical interventions, and behavioral management for senior pets suit their needs and are not just a one-size-fits-all.
“At the core of these guidelines is the understanding that aging is not a disease, but [a natural process] that family members can embrace, love, and enjoy with their senior pets,” says Ravinder Dhaliwal, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Chair of the 2023 Senior Care Guidelines task force.
The full-length guidelines are made by AAHA in support of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, CareCredit, IDEXX, and Zoetis. It is available for viewing below. You can check as well their infographic here.
The 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
AIV-Vet supports the care of senior pets by providing veterinary facilities with products and services to extend the life of their medical equipment such as low-cost patient-ready infusion pumps, infusion pump repair services, and infusion pump accessories.
AIV also works with clinics that carry out CRI treatments by supplying the equipment they need and service that reduces downtime and increases the quality of patient care.
Are you looking to extend the life of your infusion pump? Here are 10 free tips that can help your vet practice be more profitable.