Senior Care
Senior Pets
Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and technology, pets are now living healthier and longer lives than ever before! So, at what age is your pet considered a “senior citizen?” As a general guideline, large breed dogs are seniors at seven years of age, and small breed dogs and cats are considered seniors at nine years of age.
Though it may seem like just yesterday your companion was a puppy or kitten, your senior pet now needs a slightly different healthcare plan than before.
Senior Wellness Exams
We developed our exclusive Senior Wellness Exam to address the healthcare needs of older pets. Preventative healthcare is vital for early detection of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and endocrine diseases, which are more likely to occur in senior pets. Many patients don’t show any noticeable symptoms, and these dangerous conditions go undetected. We recommended that senior pets come in twice yearly for physical exams so we can monitor any health changes closely.
During your Senior Wellness Exam, your vet will listen to your pet’s heart and lungs to check for heart murmurs or irregular heartbeats. Then your dog or cat’s vision, hearing, dental health, cognitive function, and muscle and joint health will all be evaluated. Our senior wellness exam also includes checking lab work including blood, urine, and fecal tests, and a full body physical palpation to check for tumors, infections, and other diseases. If your vet finds anything of concern, further tests can be done so that your pet can get treatment right away.
Things to watch for
Weight gain, dental disease, lower energy levels, decreased hearing or vision, and minor skin issues are all common signs of old age in dogs and cats.
Other signs can be a cause for concern, so schedule an appointment if you notice:
- Behavior changes
- Limping
- Slow movements, including slow rising
- Trembling or shaking
- Seizure activity
- Change in water intake or urination behavior
With proper care, you and your senior pet will have many more happy years together!
Guide To Medical
Senior Pets
Senior Wellness Exams
Things To Watch For
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