Senior Pet Care
How your pet's needs change.
Advances in veterinary medicine allow pets to live even longer, healthier lives. Research has shown that preventive diagnostics coupled with proper nutrition and exercise are extremely important to the health of your pet.
When is a Pet a “Senior”?
Cats are considered “seniors” when they are over 9 years old. At this age, they are considered to be approximately equivalent to 52 human years. Dogs from 5 to 50 pounds in weight are considered to be seniors when they are over 9 years old as well. At this age, they are considered to be between 52 and 56 in “human years”. Dogs over 50 pounds are considered to be seniors when they are over 6 years old. At 7, they are considered to be between 50 and 56 years old in “human years.”
What is Involved in a Senior Pet Exam?
During the Senior Pet Exam, we give your pet a complete exam with special attention to the major senior issues:
- weight, appetite, elimination
- diabetes
- behavioral changes
- dementia
- skin and coat
- mobility issues
- arthritis
- thyroid imbalances
- kidney, heart, and liver disease
- tumors and cancer
Luckily, many age-related health conditions can be prevented or managed via medication and/or treatment. Our goal is to keep your pet happy and healthy well into their golden years and we can do that by addressing their needs on an individual basis.
What Tests Should My Senior Pet Have?
Early states of many diseases are only detectable by blood test. A wellness profile gives us valuable information about the function of your pet’s liver, kidney and pancreas, as well as information regarding hydration, protein, possible tumors, and blood sugar levels. A CBC (complete blood count) tests for anemia, infection and clotting.
If you have questions about how often we should see your senior pet or you’d like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (207) 582-8800.
