Senior Care for Pets

As dogs and cats get older, they need more attention and special care. Our senior wellness program can help them remain fit and healthy as they age and help us catch any potential problems earlier when they’re easier to treat or manage. Regular veterinary exams can actually help your dog or cat live longer, too!

Which health issues are senior dogs and cats diagnosed with?

Diagnosing diseases and certain conditions early is important throughout a dog or cat’s life, but it becomes even more critical when they enter their senior years. The risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, and kidney and liver problems all increase with age. In addition, dogs and cats sometimes do not show any signs of even serious diseases until they are advanced.

When is my dog or cat considered a senior?

Senior status varies depending on your dog or cat’s breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and cats generally live longer than dogs. We can help you determine what life stage your pet is in. Before they reach senior status, we recommend that you bring them in for a baseline exam and diagnostic workup. This will give us a record of what’s normal for your dog or cat so we can keep track of any changes. In most cases, we suggest this checkup for when your dog turns 7 years of age or your cat turns 8 years of age. Thereafter, your senior dog or cat will benefit from more frequent veterinary exams and diagnostic testing.

What are the benefits of a bi-annual senior wellness exam?

We can treat many symptoms that are commonly attributed to age, including those associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans). We can also improve your dog or cat’s quality of life in many ways by identifying and preventing or reducing pain, recommending a nutrition and exercise plan, and suggesting environmental modifications. We will tailor a senior wellness plan to their individual needs. If you have any questions, we can discuss our senior wellness program in more detail at 613-247-0013.