Adult and Senior Pet Care

Pets age much faster than people do, a pet ages about 5 - 7 years for every human year. This suggests health problems can progress 5 – 7 times faster in your pet. The average dog or cat 7 – 10 years of age and older qualifies as a senior. There is a progressive decline in organ function, immunity, and physical and mental abilities as a pet ages. While some age-related diseases may not be preventable, early detection and intervention is the key to successful management.

We recommend all adult pets receive annual examinations and that senior pets receive a thorough physical examination every 6-12 months. During these examinations, we will assess your pet's body condition and make dietary and exercise recommendations to help your pet maintain its ideal body weight. In addition we will carefully assess the health of your pet's teeth and gums, as dental disease can be a significant problem for senior pets (read more information regarding dental care for your pet). We will also update you pet on any vaccinations that they may require.

We recommend annual blood work (CBC, chemistry profile and thyroid function tests), urinalysis, and fecal examination. These tests will enable us to detect changes that may indicate a disease is present and may allow us to slow or stop its progression.

Observe your pet for the following changes that may indicate an underlying disease:

• Change in appetite or weight loss/gain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Urination or defecation in the house
• Increased thirst
• Increased urine frequency, volume, straining etc.
• Difficulty rising, walking or climbing stairs
• Confusion, disorientation, anxiety or changes in sleep patterns
• Persistent cough
• New lumps or bumps

It is common to assume these signs are a normal part of the aging process; however, these symptoms may indicate underlying disease. If you notice any of these signs, please give us a call and have your pet evaluated.

Making an Appointment

Information regarding appointments is available on our appointments page.