We Will Keep Your Senior Pet as Healthy As Possible!
As your pet ages, changes begin to take place in their bodies that can affect their overall health, well-being and comfort. Veterinary care becomes even more important for senior cats and dogs to prevent or delay the types of diseases that older animals are more prone to, including kidney, heart, and liver disease; cancers; organ failure; osteoarthritis; and hormone disorders. Pets age at a faster rate than humans, so we recommend more frequent wellness visits with us to make sure that all of your pet’s healthcare needs are being met.
We offer programs that are tailored specifically for the needs of senior dogs and cats, which include a complete exam, urinalysis, blood-chemistry panel, and parasite evaluation. We can also suggest special formulated food for your pet, whose new nutritional needs will benefit from an adjusted diet.
In addition to frequent exams, keeping your older pet active may help to slow the deterioration of senses associated with the aging process. We can recommend exercise (appropriate with your pet’s ability) and mental stimulation games for you to use with your senior pet.
Please also be watchful for any of the following signs in a senior pet, which should be diagnosed by a veterinarian as soon as possible:
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Significant decrease or increase in appetite or failure to eat for more than two days
- Noticeable decrease in vision
- Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping
- Excessive panting
- Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching in local area (as opposed to general)
- Seizures or convulsing