Senior Care for Pets

As dogs and cats age, they need more attention and special care. Our senior wellness program can help your pet remain fit and healthy as they age and help us catch any potential problems earlier when they’re easier to treat or manage. Regular veterinary exams can help your pet live longer, too!

When is my pet considered a senior? 

Senior status varies depending on your pet’s breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and cats generally live longer than dogs. We can help you determine what life stage your pet is in. Before your dog or cat reaches senior status, we recommend bringing your pet in for a baseline exam and diagnostic workup. This will give us a record of what’s normal for your pet so we can keep track of any changes. In most cases, we suggest this checkup for when your dog turns 7-years-old, or your cat turns 8-years-old. After this, your senior pet will benefit from more frequent veterinary exams and diagnostic testing.

What health issues do senior pets commonly have? 

Diagnosing diseases and certain conditions early is important throughout a pet’s life, but it becomes even more critical when your dog or cat enters their senior years. Some pets don’t show any signs of illness or even serious diseases until they are quite advanced, which is why frequent diagnostic testing is essential. The risks of the following health issues increase with your pet’s age: 

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hormone disorders
• Kidney/liver problems 

How can you treat my pet’s senior ailments? 

We can treat many symptoms commonly attributed to age, including those associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans). We can also improve your pet’s quality of life by identifying and reducing pain, recommending an appropriate nutrition and exercise plan, and suggesting environmental modifications to keep your pet comfortable. We will tailor a senior wellness plan to your pet’s individual needs. If you have any questions, we would be happy to discuss our senior wellness program in more detail. Call us to schedule your pet’s next wellness exam at 204-346-1429.