Your Senior Pet

Your Senior Pet

Like people, dogs and cats are living longer. We all cherish the companionship of our canine and feline friends. As veterinary professionals, our goal is to help your pet live the longest and healthiest life possible. Senior pets undergo aging changes in organs and tissues the same as do elderly humans. It is well known that older animals have a higher incidence of such conditions as major organ failure, benign and malignant tumors, arthritis, and loss of senses (especially hearing and vision). Many of these health concerns found in elderly pets can be medically controlled, and in some cases resolved, if they are detected early enough. Early detection and prompt treatment of medical conditions improves the chances that older pets will live longer and happier lives. Anything that results in a longer lifespan while maintaining a high quality of life gives the pet owner more enjoyment time with their pet, and also allows them more time to prepare for the eventual loss of their pet. Preventative care is the most important component of health care in all stages of life for both humans and animals.

The needs of each senior pet are different. Determining your pet's "age" depends on size, breed, environment, and genetic factors. Exams by a Veterinarian are probably one of the most important aspects of a good senior wellness program. We usually recommend twice yearly visits unless other problems are being treated. For a dog, six months represents 5 to 8 years in the life of a human. There are a variety of tests that may also be recommended (annually or more often depending on your pet's needs) for a senior pet such as, a Complete Blood Count, Serum Chemistry Profile, Complete Urinalysis, Thyroid Hormone Levels, ECG, X-Rays, etc. If you have a senior pet not receiving regular wellness screening set up an appointment so we can help tailor a wellness plan for your pet's needs.