Senior Pets
Senior Pet Care – Pets Age 7 Years & Older
Because pets age at a much faster and more dramatic rate than humans, many pets as young as 7 years of age are considered seniors and require specialized care.
Common health problems in older pets include dental disease, arthritis, obesity, kidney problems, and changes in behavior.
Other problems your pet may encounter include:
- Stiffness or limping
- Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping
- Difficulty breathing or changes in breathing patterns
- Tremors, shaking or seizures
- Excessive scratching or changes to skin or coat
- Tumors or growths
- Drastic weight change (either loss or gain)
- Vomiting
- Difficulty seeing or hearing
- Changes in urination/defecation habits
- Confusion or disorientation
- Decreased responsiveness or willingness to exercise
Early detection of problems allows for early treatment, which can significantly improve the quality of your senior pet’s life.
“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.”
-Dr. James Herriott (Scottish veterinarian & author, 1996-1995)
If your pet is older than 7 years of age, we encourage a complete physical exam and history at least twice a year, along with appropriate laboratory screening tests. These tests help us detect diabetes, heart disease, liver, kidney or thyroid problems, parasites, and other health problems that may not be readily apparent during a physical examination.
Our doctors may recommend dental care, offer advice regarding arthritis, or suggest special diets or supplements.
Behavior changes may be helped with a combination of medication, diet, and appropriate physical accommodations.
We are not just looking to extend the life of your animal with our comprehensive care. We believe that the quality of your pet’s life is important, and we work with you to plan the appropriate care to help ensure that your pet has a long, healthy and happy life.
To encourage senior pet care, demonstrate our commitment to keeping your older pet healthy, and help make it affordable, we offer our Senior Pet Health Screening Program.
