Pet Health: Senior Pet Care

Wellness exams are an essential component of pet care. The American Veterinary Association, the Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners caution that all dogs and cats should be examined every six months. Wellness examines are similar to the check-ups that we receive in human medicine.

However, because cats and dogs have a much shorter life span, aging occurs at a much faster rate. Because aging occurs faster, diseases, especially diseases of the heart and kidneys, progress very quickly. It is, therefore, very important for pets to be brought in on a bi-annual basis for assessments.

Pets are relatively similar to humans in that, as they age, they need more and different types of care. We understand this. Pets age at a much faster and more dramatic rate than humans because their projected life span is quite a bit shorter. This means that we have to catch diseases, such as heart disease or a kidney problem, as soon as possible. The majority of debilitating problems associated with age in cats and dogs can be remedied or eased with early detection. When detected early, problems can be treated before they cause too much pain.

Older cats and dogs need regular chest x-rays to assess cardiovascular and pulmonary health. Again, the testing that we give senior dogs and cats varies from the kind of testing given to younger pets. This testing, as with all the testing we do, is breed and health appropriate. Certain breeds are prone to be afflicted with certain ailments. Golden retrievers, for instance, are prone to hypothyroidism while boxers tend to develop cancer more often. All large breed dogs are prone to hip problems and smaller breeds usually have problems with their teeth.

We are not just looking to extend the life of your pet with our comprehensive senior pet care. We are looking to extend the quality of life for your pet as it goes into its golden years.

Most likely, we will be assessing the dietary needs of your senior pet as well. Like older humans, older pets have different dietary requirements and needs than younger ones. We will keep assessing the needs of your pet and changing its program until it fits perfectly for the age, breed and general health of your animal.

We approach every pet as a unique case. Every dog and cat that enters our doors gets the exact kind of care that it needs.