Brazilian pet owners advised on senior pet health and safe bathing practices

Pet owners in Brazil are urged to adopt specific measures to keep older dogs and cats healthy. Key recommendations include feeding senior‑appropriate diets, providing regular veterinary check‑ups with blood and urine tests, maintaining dental hygiene, ensuring proper hydration, and creating safe, comfortable living environments. Frequent vet visits should also cover vaccinations, parasite control, and monitoring for age‑related conditions such as renal or hepatic disease.

Guidelines for bathing pets stress that leaving the coat wet for extended periods can foster fungal and bacterial growth, leading to skin irritation or infection. Owners should use pet‑specific shampoos, avoid human products or strong fragrances, and dry the animal thoroughly—especially in areas like the armpits, belly, neck and between the toes. Over‑bathing can strip natural skin oils, so baths are typically recommended monthly or bi‑weekly, depending on the animal’s breed, coat type and lifestyle. Signs of skin problems such as itching, hair loss, redness, sores or odor warrant prompt veterinary attention.