Pets of all ages require optimum care and attention, but very young puppies and senior pets benefit from special care so they will be able to thrive. Each life stage has specific nutritional and care needs that a responsible pet owner should be willing to commit to. Senior pets need a lifestage-appropriate diet because it contains essential nutrients that can help them deal with age-related issues. With aging comes the inevitable physical and mental decline and this can have an important effect on a dog’s ability to interact with other animals and with other members of the household. Early detection of signs of any medical condition is very important to improve the prognosis. Knowing what your senior pet is facing will also enable you to respond and care for them appropriately. Your senior pet will benefit from more wellness checks to your Kalamazoo, MI veterinarian. These are also important opportunities to spot early signs of disease and conditions that can have a negative impact on your pet’s quality of life.