Special Care for Senior Pets
At All Pet Animal Hospital, we consider dogs and cats to be “seniors” once they reach about nine years of age. Like humans, as pet’s age their needs change, and we are here to make their golden years as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
The vast majority of debilitating problems that senior cats and dogs experience can be prevented or eased with proper lifetime veterinary care and early detection. With routine wellness exams, laboratory testing, and diagnostic screening, we can help ensure your pets have a high quality of life as they age.
Some health problems that senior pets are prone to come on suddenly, and others appear gradually over time. There are a few signs that you should watch for in a senior dog or cat that can indicate a problem and require veterinary attention, including:
- Lethargy
- Change in vision
- Change in hearing
- Sudden behavioral change
- Sudden weight loss
- Sudden weight gain
- Heavy breathing
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty urinating
- Hair loss
Senior Pet Wellness Exams
Because senior pets’ health can change suddenly, we prefer to see them twice a year for wellness exams. Your veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical exam, order diagnostic tests as needed, check your pet’s teeth and gums, and talk to you about your pet’s behavior and activity levels. These wellness exams are your best defense against the common ailments of aging pets, including cancer, arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, dental disease, and liver disease.