Pet Care Tips, Guides & DNA
Find practical guides to pet care, health, DNA tests, nutrition, hygiene, safety and other everyday topics. Explore the categories below to discover advice and resources for caring for your cat or dog at every life stage.
Pet DNA Tests
Explore what pet DNA tests can tell you about breed ancestry, inherited traits and the information included in different test reports. This section will bring together clear comparisons and guides to help you understand the options and their limitations.
A US-based veterinary genetics laboratory is the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at UC Davis. It offers DNA testing for dogs and cats, including tests for inherited health conditions, genetic traits and parentage.
Learn more: EasyDNA
Why Consider a Pet DNA Test?
A pet DNA test is not something every pet owner necessarily needs, but it can be a very valuable tool, especially for mixed-breed pets, animals with unknown ancestry, or owners who want to learn more about inherited traits and potential genetic health risks. DNA testing can provide useful insights into breed ancestry, genetic characteristics and, depending on the test, certain inherited health risks. A genetic risk result, however, is not the same as a medical diagnosis.
A pet DNA test can reveal information that is impossible to determine reliably from appearance alone. Breed ancestry, inherited traits and selected genetic health risks can all be hidden in your pet’s DNA, even when your dog or cat looks completely typical on the outside.
For mixed-breed dogs in particular, visual identification can be surprisingly unreliable. Many physical traits occur across multiple breeds, while DNA testing compares genetic markers with reference populations to estimate ancestry.
Genetic screening can also provide information that may be useful throughout your pet’s life. Some tests look for variants associated with inherited diseases or medication sensitivities. A positive result does not mean that your pet is sick or will definitely develop a condition, but it can give you and your veterinarian additional information to consider when planning care.
A DNA test may be especially useful if:
- you do not know your pet’s breed background;
- your dog is mixed-breed or adopted with little family history;
- you want to understand inherited physical or behavioral traits;
- you are interested in genetic health screening;
- you want more information to discuss with your veterinarian;
- you are simply curious about your pet’s ancestry and relatives.
Did you know?
Two dogs can look remarkably different while still sharing the overwhelming majority of their DNA. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane are genetically about 99% identical. The relatively small remaining differences help influence size, appearance and other inherited traits.
Important:
DNA testing is an additional source of information, not a replacement for veterinary examinations, laboratory diagnostics or professional medical advice.
What DNA Tests Cannot Tell You
DNA testing cannot predict your pet’s future with certainty. Genetic variants may indicate an increased risk for certain conditions, but lifestyle, environment, age and other factors can also influence whether a condition develops.
A DNA result should therefore be treated as additional information rather than a diagnosis or guarantee. If a test identifies a potentially important health-related variant, discuss the result with your veterinarian before making decisions about treatment, medication or long-term care.
Grooming & Bathing
Build a grooming routine that fits your pet and your everyday schedule. Here you will find guides to bathing, choosing grooming supplies and making the experience more comfortable for cats and dogs.
Grooming & BathingLooking for quality grooming products? Ryans Pet Supplies offers professional grooming tools, shampoos, brushes, clippers and pet care accessories for dogs and cats.
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Grooming & Bathing
A good grooming routine is about more than appearance. Regular grooming helps keep your pet comfortable, supports healthy skin and coat, and gives you a chance to notice changes such as irritation, lumps, sore areas, parasites or other problems that might otherwise be easy to miss.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
There is no single bathing schedule that suits every dog. How often a dog needs a bath depends on breed, coat type, lifestyle, activity level and skin health. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, swim, roll in mud or get visibly dirty may need baths more often, while other dogs may only need occasional washing.
Bathing too frequently can remove natural oils from the skin and coat, which may contribute to dryness or irritation. On the other hand, some dogs with allergies or skin conditions may need more frequent baths with a veterinarian-recommended shampoo.
Use Products Made for Pets
Human shampoo is not ideal for routine use on dogs because canine skin has a different pH balance. A shampoo formulated specifically for dogs is a safer choice and helps protect the skin barrier and coat. If your dog has sensitive skin, allergies or a chronic skin condition, ask your veterinarian which type of shampoo is appropriate.
Use lukewarm or comfortably warm water rather than hot water. Rinse thoroughly, because shampoo residue left in the coat may irritate the skin.
Before the Bath
Brush out loose hair and mats before getting the coat wet. Mats can tighten when wet and become more difficult to remove afterward. Have towels, shampoo and everything else you need within reach before you begin.
A non-slip mat in the bath or sink can also help your pet feel more secure and reduce the risk of slipping.
After the Bath
Dry your pet thoroughly with a towel. Some coat types may also benefit from careful drying with a pet-safe dryer, provided the temperature and airflow are comfortable for the animal. Avoid allowing a wet dog to remain cold for long periods, particularly in cooler weather.
What About Cats?
Most healthy cats are excellent self-groomers and usually do not need routine baths in the same way dogs do. Bathing may still be useful if a cat becomes unusually dirty, gets a substance on the coat that should not be licked off, or has a medical reason for bathing recommended by a veterinarian.
When bathing a cat is necessary, keep the process calm, use cat-safe products and avoid forcing the animal through a stressful bath unless there is a good reason to do so.
Make Grooming a Positive Experience
Introduce bathing and handling gradually, especially with puppies and young animals. Calm handling, praise, treats and short positive sessions can help make grooming feel normal rather than frightening.
Did you know?
A dog’s need for bathing is not determined simply by how long its coat is. Some hairless breeds may need frequent skin care, while certain long-coated or double-coated breeds can require fewer baths but much more brushing and coat maintenance.
Important
If your pet develops persistent itching, redness, unusual odor, sores, hair loss or other skin changes, do not assume that more bathing will solve the problem. These signs can be associated with allergies, infections, parasites or other conditions that may need veterinary attention.
Brushing & Coat Care
Discover coat care topics for different coat types and grooming needs. Future guides will cover brushing tools, shedding, tangles and simple routines for keeping on top of everyday coat maintenance.
Looking for the right tools to keep your pet’s coat healthy and well-groomed? Ryan’s Pet Supplies offers a wide selection of brushes, combs, deshedding tools and coat care products for dogs and cats.
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Brushing & Coat Care
Regular brushing is one of the simplest ways to support a healthy coat and skin. It helps remove loose hair, dirt and small tangles, spreads natural oils through the coat and gives you a chance to notice changes such as dandruff, irritation, parasites, lumps or sore areas.
How Often Should You Brush Your Pet?
The right brushing schedule depends on coat type. Short-haired pets may only need occasional brushing, while long-haired, curly or double-coated breeds often need much more frequent care. During shedding seasons, even short-haired dogs and cats may benefit from extra brushing.
Choose the Right Brush
Different coat types need different tools. Slicker brushes, pin brushes, bristle brushes, undercoat rakes and de-shedding tools all serve different purposes. Using the wrong tool can be ineffective or uncomfortable, especially on sensitive skin.
Start gently and avoid pulling hard through knots. If a mat is tight against the skin, do not force the brush through it.
Dealing With Mats and Tangles
Small tangles are easier to manage before they become dense mats. Mats can pull on the skin, trap moisture and dirt, and sometimes hide irritation or sores underneath.
For severe matting, especially close to the skin, professional grooming may be safer than trying to cut the mat out at home. Scissors can easily injure the skin because matted hair often sits very close to it.
Double-Coated Breeds
Double-coated dogs have a soft undercoat beneath a protective outer coat. Regular brushing helps remove loose undercoat and reduce shedding.
Shaving a double-coated dog is generally not recommended unless there is a medical or grooming reason, because the coat plays an important role in insulation and protection.
What About Cats?
Cats benefit from brushing too, especially long-haired cats and animals that shed heavily. Brushing can reduce loose hair, help prevent mats and may reduce the amount of fur swallowed during self-grooming.
Older cats, overweight cats or cats with mobility problems may need more help with coat care because they may not be able to groom every area effectively.
Make Brushing Comfortable
Introduce brushing gradually and keep early sessions short. Let your pet sniff the brush, use gentle strokes and stop before the animal becomes frustrated.
Positive reinforcement, calm handling and treats can help turn brushing into a routine your pet accepts or even enjoys.
Did you know?
Brushing is not only about removing loose hair. It also lets you check the skin regularly, which can help you notice parasites, redness, unusual lumps or small injuries earlier than you might otherwise.
Important
Sudden changes in coat quality, excessive shedding, bald patches, persistent dandruff, itching or skin redness may have causes that brushing alone will not fix. If changes are significant or persistent, veterinary advice may be appropriate.
Nail, Ear & Dental Care
Explore the basics of nail, ear and dental care in one place. This section will cover care tools, handling routines and questions to discuss with a groomer or veterinary professional.
Looking for essential nail, ear and dental care products for your pet? Ryan’s Pet Supplies offers nail clippers, grooming tools and a variety of pet hygiene and care products to help keep dogs and cats clean and comfortable.
Explore Ryans Pet Supplies
Nail, Ear & Dental Care
Regular nail, ear and dental care can prevent small problems from becoming painful ones. These routines also give you a chance to notice changes early, such as cracked nails, irritated ears, bad breath, swollen gums or sensitivity around the mouth.
Nail Care
Overgrown nails can make walking uncomfortable and may change the way a pet places weight on its paws. Regular trimming helps keep nails at a comfortable length and reduces the risk of splitting, snagging or breaking.
How often nails need trimming varies from pet to pet. Animals that walk frequently on hard surfaces may naturally wear their nails down more than pets that spend most of their time indoors or on soft ground.
When trimming, remove only small amounts at a time. Cutting into the quick—the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail—can cause pain and bleeding. Dark nails can make the quick harder to see, so extra caution is needed.
Ear Care
Not every pet needs frequent ear cleaning. Some dogs, especially those prone to ear problems, may benefit from more regular cleaning, while others need very little.
Use a pet-safe ear cleaner and avoid products containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide unless your veterinarian specifically recommends them, because they can irritate an inflamed ear canal.
Do not push cotton swabs deep into the ear canal. If you notice strong odor, discharge, redness, swelling, persistent head shaking or scratching, the ear may need veterinary attention rather than another cleaning.
Dental Care
Dental care is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of routine pet care. Plaque begins accumulating again within hours after eating, so occasional professional cleaning alone is not enough to maintain oral health. Daily tooth brushing with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste is one of the most effective home-care measures. Human toothpaste should not be used for pets.
Dental chews, dental diets and other products may also help, but products vary in effectiveness. Your veterinarian can recommend options that are appropriate for your pet.
Did you know?
By around three years of age, most dogs and cats already have some degree of periodontal disease, and much of the disease can develop below the gumline where owners cannot see it.
That is also why professional dental cleaning is normally performed under anesthesia: it allows the veterinary team to examine, X-ray and clean below the gumline safely and thoroughly. So-called anesthesia-free dental cleanings only address visible surfaces and do not provide the same diagnostic or therapeutic benefit.
Make It Part of the Routine
Nail handling, ear checks and tooth brushing are easier when pets are introduced to them gradually. Short, calm sessions with praise and rewards can help make these routines feel normal instead of stressful.
Important
Seek veterinary advice if your pet has persistent bad breath, bleeding or swollen gums, difficulty eating, broken or painful nails, strong ear odor, discharge, swelling, or repeated head shaking. These signs may indicate a problem that routine home care cannot fix.
Feeding & Hydration
Find practical guides to everyday feeding and drinking routines for cats and dogs. Topics will include food choices, portion planning, feeding equipment and water access, with space for more detailed guides as the page grows.
For readers in the United States, our Amazon US selection includes automatic feeders, pet water fountains and other useful products and accessories for everyday life with cats and dogs. It is also a good place to discover other practical and interesting items for your pet.
Feeding & Hydration
Good nutrition and adequate hydration are two of the foundations of everyday pet health. The right diet, portion size and access to fresh water can influence body weight, energy levels, digestion and overall well-being. Nutritional needs vary with species, age, activity level, body condition and health status, so feeding should be adjusted to the individual animal rather than based only on package instructions.
Choose a Complete and Balanced Diet
A good pet food should provide complete and balanced nutrition appropriate for your pet’s life stage. Puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs from healthy adults, while senior pets or animals with medical conditions may require a different feeding plan.
Food labels can be useful, but ingredient lists alone do not tell you everything about the overall quality or suitability of a diet. Body condition, weight trends and your veterinarian’s advice are often more useful when deciding whether a feeding plan is working well.
How Much Should You Feed?
There is no single correct portion size for every dog or cat. Calorie needs depend on factors such as age, size, activity level, reproductive status and body condition. Feeding recommendations on packaging are usually starting points rather than exact prescriptions.
Regularly monitor your pet’s weight and body condition. If your pet is consistently gaining or losing weight, the amount or type of food may need to be adjusted.
Meal Timing and Routine
Many pets do well with regular meal times because this makes portion control easier and helps owners notice changes in appetite. Adult cats are commonly fed once or twice a day, while younger animals usually need more frequent meals.
Free-feeding can work for some pets, but in others it may contribute to overeating and weight gain, particularly when food is always available.
Hydration Matters
Fresh water should always be available. Water supports temperature regulation, digestion, circulation, joint lubrication and many other essential body functions.
Pets receive water both by drinking and from the moisture in their food. Wet cat food can contain around 70–80% water, which is why cats eating wet food may drink less from a bowl than cats eating primarily dry food.
Encouraging Cats to Drink More
Some cats naturally drink relatively little, so making water easy and appealing to access can help. Keep fresh water in several quiet locations, especially in multi-cat homes where one animal may discourage another from using a particular bowl.
Some cats prefer moving water from a fountain, while others prefer a regular bowl. Wet food or adding a little water to food can also increase total water intake.
Treats Count Too
Treats should be considered part of your pet’s total daily food intake, not something completely separate. Large amounts of treats can add significant calories and may unbalance an otherwise appropriate diet.
Use treats in moderation and reduce meal portions when necessary to account for extra calories.
Did you know?
A cat eating mostly wet food may appear to drink very little from its water bowl and still have a good total water intake because a large proportion of its daily water is coming directly from food.
Watch for Changes in Eating or Drinking
Changes in appetite or thirst can sometimes be an early sign that something is wrong. Drinking significantly more or less than usual, repeated vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss or sudden refusal to eat should not automatically be treated as a simple feeding problem.
Important
Pets with medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, urinary problems, food allergies or gastrointestinal disease may need a specialized diet or feeding schedule. Major diet changes should be discussed with a veterinarian, particularly when a pet has an existing health condition.
Travel & Safety
Traveling with a pet can be enjoyable, but a little preparation makes a big difference. Whether you are taking a short car trip, staying in pet-friendly hotels, using pet boarding while you are away, or traveling across borders, your pet’s identification, restraint, comfort, health needs and emergency information should all be considered before you leave.
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Traveling with your pet does not necessarily mean giving up comfortable accommodation. Many hotels, guesthouses and vacation rentals now welcome dogs, and some also accept cats or other small pets.
Discover pet-friendly accommodation and other travel options through Expedia.
Before booking, always check the property’s current pet policy. “Pet-friendly” can mean very different things from one hotel to another. Some properties welcome pets throughout the hotel, while others restrict them to certain rooms or areas.
Check in advance:
• which types of pets are accepted;
• whether there are size or weight limits;
• how many pets are allowed per room;
• whether an additional pet fee or deposit applies;
• whether pets may be left alone in the room;
• whether pets are allowed in restaurants, lounges or other shared areas;
• whether there are nearby parks or suitable walking areas.
If your pet is nervous in unfamiliar surroundings, bring familiar bedding, a favorite toy or another item that smells like home. Keeping normal feeding and walking routines where possible can also help the animal settle more quickly.
Did you know?
A hotel described as pet-friendly is not necessarily designed specifically for pets. Some simply allow animals to stay, while others may provide extras such as bowls, beds, treats, outdoor areas or information about nearby veterinary services.
Always confirm the current policy directly with the property before traveling, because pet rules and additional charges can change.
Pet Boarding and Pet Hotels
Sometimes the safest or least stressful option is to leave your pet in professional care while you travel. Pet boarding facilities, often called pet hotels, provide temporary accommodation and daily care for dogs, cats or other animals.
Before choosing a boarding facility, find out exactly what is included in the stay. Good facilities should be able to explain feeding routines, exercise, sleeping arrangements, supervision and how they handle emergencies.
Things worth checking include:
• vaccination and health requirements;
• staff supervision and overnight care;
• exercise and play arrangements;
• whether dogs are housed individually or in groups;
• how cats are separated from dogs and other sources of stress;
• feeding arrangements and whether you can provide your pet’s usual food;
• medication administration;
• access to veterinary care in an emergency;
• what happens if your return journey is unexpectedly delayed.
If possible, visit the facility before booking. Clean accommodation, secure doors and fencing, suitable ventilation and calm handling by staff are all useful things to observe.
For pets that dislike unfamiliar environments, another option may be a professional pet sitter who visits or stays with the animal in its own home.
Help Your Pet Prepare
For a first boarding stay, a short trial visit or single overnight stay can help you see how your pet responds before a longer vacation.
Provide the boarding facility with clear information about your pet’s feeding routine, medication, behavior, fears and emergency contacts. Do not hide behavioral or medical problems, because staff need accurate information to care for the animal safely.
Important
Not every pet enjoys boarding. Elderly animals, pets with significant medical needs, highly anxious animals or pets that react badly to other animals may need a more individual care arrangement. Discuss suitable options with your veterinarian or an experienced boarding provider when you are unsure.
Puppy & Kitten Tips
Starting life with a puppy or kitten brings plenty of new questions. This section will introduce guides to settling in, daily routines, essential supplies and preparing your home for a young pet.
Looking for essentials for your new puppy or kitten? Discover food, comfortable beds, toys, feeding bowls, training supplies, grooming products and everyday accessories to help your new companion settle into their new home.
Explore:
Ryans Pet Supplies
or
Amazon
Puppy & Kitten Tips
Bringing home a puppy or kitten is exciting, but the first weeks are also when many important habits begin. A calm routine, safe environment, appropriate nutrition, socialization and regular veterinary care can make the transition easier for both the young animal and the owner.
Prepare the Home Before Arrival
Before your puppy or kitten comes home, remove obvious hazards such as exposed electrical cables, toxic plants, small objects that could be swallowed and unsecured cleaning products.
Create a quiet area where the animal can rest without being disturbed. A bed, crate, carrier or small room can provide a safe retreat while your new pet adjusts to unfamiliar sounds, smells and people.
Keep the First Days Calm
It can be tempting to introduce a new pet to everyone immediately, but too much stimulation can be overwhelming.
Allow your puppy or kitten time to explore gradually. Keep the first days predictable, with regular feeding, sleeping and toilet routines. Let the animal approach new people at its own pace.
Feeding and Growth
Young animals have different nutritional needs from adults. Puppies and kittens need food formulated for growth because developing bones, muscles, organs and immune systems require appropriate levels of energy and nutrients.
Follow feeding guidance for your pet’s age and size, but monitor body condition rather than relying only on the amount printed on the food package.
Large-breed puppies may have especially specific nutritional requirements, so rapid growth should not be encouraged through overfeeding.
Socialization Matters
Early experiences can influence how confidently a pet responds to people, animals, noises and new environments later in life.
Introduce new experiences gradually and positively. Household sounds, gentle handling, different surfaces, car travel and calm meetings with suitable people can all help build confidence.
For puppies, socialization should be balanced with vaccination status and veterinary advice about disease risk in your area.
Toilet Training
Consistency is more important than punishment.
Take puppies outside regularly, especially after sleeping, eating, drinking and play. Reward successful toileting immediately.
Kittens usually learn to use a litter box naturally, but the box should be easy to reach, clean and placed in a quiet location. In multi-cat homes, providing more than one litter box can reduce competition and stress.
Teach Handling Early
Gently introduce your puppy or kitten to being touched around the paws, ears, mouth and body. This can make future nail trimming, brushing, dental care and veterinary examinations much easier.
Keep sessions short and positive. Stop before the animal becomes frightened or frustrated.
Create Good Sleep Habits
Young animals need a lot of sleep. Puppies and kittens can become overtired just like children, which may lead to increased biting, rough play or difficulty settling.
Provide a quiet sleeping area and allow plenty of uninterrupted rest throughout the day.
Did you know?
Puppies and kittens can appear extremely energetic, but they may spend much of the day sleeping. Rest is important for physical development, learning and recovery after new experiences.
Build Independence Gradually
Constant attention during the first days can make later separation more difficult. Once your pet is settling in, introduce short periods of calm independence.
For puppies, gradual alone-time training can help reduce the risk of separation-related problems later. Kittens also benefit from learning that short periods alone are normal and safe.
Important
Contact a veterinarian promptly if a puppy or kitten refuses food, repeatedly vomits, has persistent diarrhea, appears unusually weak, has difficulty breathing or shows other significant changes in behavior or health.
Young animals can become dehydrated or seriously ill more quickly than healthy adult pets, so concerning symptoms should not simply be watched for several days.
Senior Pet Care
Explore ways to adapt everyday care as your pet gets older. Future guides will focus on comfort, accessible equipment, changing routines and questions to raise during veterinary visits.
Looking for products to make life easier and more comfortable for your senior dog or cat? Discover supportive beds, feeding accessories, gentle grooming tools, hygiene products and everyday essentials designed to help older pets stay comfortable and well cared for.
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Ryans Pet Supplies
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Senior Pet Care
As pets grow older, their needs can change gradually. Senior dogs and cats may become less active, sleep more, gain or lose weight more easily, develop joint stiffness or need more frequent veterinary monitoring. Aging itself is not a disease, but older pets benefit from closer attention because health changes can sometimes develop slowly and be easy to overlook.
When Is a Pet Considered Senior?
There is no single age at which every pet becomes senior. Dogs generally age at different rates depending on their size and breed, with larger dogs often reaching the senior stage earlier than smaller dogs. Cats commonly begin to be considered senior at around 10 years of age, although individual health and lifestyle matter more than a number alone.
The important thing is to notice changes over time rather than waiting for a particular birthday.
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Older pets may benefit from more frequent veterinary examinations because some conditions become more common with age.
Routine examinations can help monitor:
• body weight and muscle condition;
• teeth and gums;
• heart and lungs;
• joints and mobility;
• eyes and hearing;
• kidney and liver function;
• changes in behavior or appetite.
Blood and urine tests may also be recommended as pets age, even when they appear healthy.
Watch for Subtle Changes
Older pets often hide discomfort surprisingly well. Small changes may be more important than they first appear.
Pay attention to signs such as:
• difficulty getting up or climbing stairs;
• reluctance to jump;
• sleeping significantly more or less;
• unexplained weight loss or gain;
• increased thirst or urination;
• changes in appetite;
• accidents inside the home;
• confusion or altered sleep patterns;
• reduced interest in play or interaction.
A gradual change should not automatically be dismissed as “just old age.”
Keep Senior Pets Moving
Regular gentle activity helps support muscles, joints, circulation and mental well-being.
Older dogs may prefer several shorter walks instead of one long walk. Cats can benefit from gentle play, low climbing opportunities and easy access to favorite resting places.
Exercise should be adapted to the individual animal. Pain, heart problems or other medical conditions may require changes to the normal routine.
Make the Home Easier to Navigate
Small changes around the home can make a big difference for an aging pet.
Consider:
• non-slip rugs on slippery floors;
• ramps or steps for furniture or cars;
• lower-sided litter boxes for cats with joint problems;
• food and water placed where they are easy to reach;
• warm, supportive beds;
• night lights for pets with reduced vision;
• keeping important resources on one floor when stairs become difficult.
Nutrition and Weight
Senior pets do not automatically need less food. Some gain weight as activity decreases, while others lose weight because of illness, dental problems or loss of muscle mass.
Monitor body condition and weight regularly rather than simply switching to a “senior” food because of age. The best diet depends on the individual pet’s health, activity and nutritional needs.
Mental Stimulation Still Matters
Older pets can still enjoy learning, exploring and interacting.
Food puzzles, gentle training, scent games, new but manageable experiences and regular social interaction can help keep the mind active.
Sudden confusion, staring into space, getting lost in familiar areas or major changes in sleep patterns should be discussed with a veterinarian rather than assumed to be normal aging.
Dental Care Becomes Even More Important
Dental disease can become more severe with age and may make eating painful.
Bad breath, dropping food, chewing on one side, pawing at the mouth or reluctance to eat hard food can be signs of dental discomfort.
Regular dental checks remain important throughout a pet’s life, including the senior years.
Did you know?
Older pets do not necessarily need to become inactive. Appropriate movement can actually help maintain muscle strength and mobility. The goal is usually not to stop activity, but to adjust its intensity and duration to what the pet can comfortably manage.
Comfort Matters
Senior pets may become more sensitive to cold, noise, disruption and changes in routine.
Providing predictable routines, comfortable sleeping areas and easy access to food, water and toileting areas can help them feel more secure.
Important
Do not assume that pain, confusion, weight loss, excessive thirst, reduced mobility or major behavioral changes are simply unavoidable parts of aging.
Many age-related conditions can be managed or treated, and early veterinary assessment can significantly improve comfort and quality of life.
Online Vet Services
Learn how to compare online veterinary services and understand what each service offers. This section will cover consultation formats, availability, costs and the limits of remote advice, helping you decide when an in-person appointment may be needed.
Online Vet Services
Online veterinary services can be useful when you need professional guidance but do not necessarily need an immediate clinic visit. Depending on the service and local regulations, an online vet may be able to discuss symptoms, review photos or videos, provide general advice, help with follow-up questions and tell you whether an in-person examination is recommended.
When Can an Online Vet Be Useful?
Online consultations can be convenient for non-emergency situations such as:
• minor skin or coat concerns;
• questions about diet, behavior or medication routines;
• follow-up questions after a clinic visit;
• deciding whether a symptom needs urgent attention;
• discussing changes in appetite, drinking or activity;
• getting general advice while traveling;
• obtaining a second opinion about a non-emergency concern.
They can also be helpful for owners who live far from a clinic, have limited transport options or need advice outside normal opening hours.
What Can an Online Vet Actually Do?
The exact service depends on the provider, the country and the veterinarian-client relationship rules that apply locally.
An online veterinarian may be able to:
• discuss symptoms and medical history;
• review photos or videos;
• suggest what signs you should monitor;
• explain whether an in-person examination is advisable;
• answer questions about recovery or ongoing care;
• provide general preventive-care guidance.
However, some diagnoses require physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging or other procedures that cannot be performed through a video or text consultation.
Prescriptions and Diagnosis Can Vary by Country
The rules for prescribing medication remotely are not the same everywhere.
In some locations, a veterinarian may need to have examined the animal in person before prescribing certain medications. Other jurisdictions may allow more services to be provided through telemedicine.
Always check what a particular online veterinary service is legally permitted to provide where you live.
Online Vet or Physical Clinic?
An online consultation can be a useful first step, but it should not delay urgent veterinary treatment.
A physical examination is usually more appropriate when your pet has:
• difficulty breathing;
• severe bleeding;
• collapse or loss of consciousness;
• suspected poisoning;
• major trauma;
• repeated seizures;
• severe pain;
• inability to urinate;
• a swollen abdomen with distress;
• persistent vomiting or diarrhea with weakness;
• any rapidly worsening condition.
In these situations, contact a veterinary clinic or emergency service directly.
Prepare for an Online Consultation
You can often make an online appointment more useful by preparing information in advance.
Have ready:
• your pet’s age, breed and approximate weight;
• current medications;
• relevant medical history;
• when the problem started;
• changes in appetite, thirst, urination or behavior;
• clear photos or short videos if relevant;
• any recent laboratory or veterinary reports you have available.
The more accurate information the veterinarian receives, the easier it is to give useful guidance.
Second Opinions and Follow-Up Care
Online services can be particularly useful when you already have a diagnosis or treatment plan but have additional questions.
A remote consultation may help explain test results, discuss treatment options or prepare questions for your regular veterinarian. It can also be useful after treatment when you are unsure whether recovery is progressing normally.
Did you know?
Online veterinary care does not always mean a video call. Depending on the provider, consultations may be available by secure chat, telephone, video or a combination of these methods.
Some services also allow owners to upload photos, videos or medical documents before the appointment.
Convenience Does Not Replace Examination
Telemedicine works best when its limitations are understood. A veterinarian cannot listen to the heart, palpate the abdomen, examine the mouth closely or perform diagnostic tests through a screen.
For that reason, a responsible online service should recommend an in-person visit whenever remote assessment is not sufficient.
Important
Online veterinary services should never be used as a substitute for emergency care. If your pet is seriously ill, injured, struggling to breathe, unable to stand or showing other urgent symptoms, contact a veterinary clinic or emergency veterinary service immediately.