As dogs and cats get older, they need more frequent attention and special care. Our senior wellness exam can help your pet remain fit and healthy as he or she ages and help us catch any potential problems earlier when they are easier to treat or manage. Regular veterinary exams can help your pet live longer, too!
Early detection of illness becomes even more critical when your dog or cat enters his or her 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 may not show any signs of serious illness or organ dysfunction until they are advanced.
Classification as a “senior pet” can vary, depending on your pet’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.
When your dog or cat turns eight years of age, they are generally considered a senior pet. We recommend a baseline senior exam and bloodwork, to have an understanding of the health status of your pet as they begin their senior years. This will help us identify trends in their health early on, which will make treating any illness much easier and cost-effective.
Common conditions that older pets develop include pain, arthritis, cognitive impairment, and chronic illnesses like thyroid disease, kidney and liver dysfunction and many others. We can help improve and maintain a good quality of life by identifying and addressing these concerns in a timely manner. Prevention is key for older patients. As with our younger patients, we will tailor a senior wellness exam to meet the needs of your individual pet. Call us to discuss our senior wellness in more detail or schedule an exam.
