Caring for Your Pet’s Golden Years
Our pets age more rapidly than we do, and as they grow older, they need more frequent physical examinations. When the disease process is caught early, the treatment is often more effective, less expensive and can increase your pet’s life expectancy. Our program is designed not only to extend the longevity but also the quality of your pet’s life.
Senior Wellness
Older pets need more frequent extensive exams. When disease processes are caught early, treatment is often more effective and less costly.
Senior Wellness Program
Health Consultation
Tell your veterinarian if you have noticed any recent changes to your pet's behavior or other problems, such as difficulty in getting around, a change in appetite or any unusual lumps or bumps.
Physical Examination
Your veterinarian will palpate your pet's musculoskeletal system, abdomen, and head and neck areas to spot abnormalities. A stethoscope is used to listen to your pet's heart and lungs. Your pet's eyes, ears, and mouth will also be checked for age-related problems, such as cataracts, dental problems, and ear canal disorders.
Diagnostic Tests
Blood work, fecal testing and urinalysis are essential for identifying problems your pet cannot verbalize.
Wellness Care
Your pet's examination will include a discussion of wellness care such as flea, tick and intestinal parasite control, heartworm testing and prevention and dental cleaning.
Appropriate Vaccinations
Just as with humans, vaccinations essentially teach your pet's immune system to recognize and destroy infectious diseases before they can make your pet sick. As your pet ages and builds up immunity, your pet's vaccination schedule will be adjusted based on risks and possible exposure.
Dental Care
Dental disease can cause bad breath, inflamed gums, missing, loose or broken teeth along with pain and persistent discomfort. It can lead to systemic health problem. Some signs that your pet may be having a dental problem:
- Bad Breath
- Drooling Pawing at the mouth or teeth
- Red, irritated, swollen or bleeding gums
- Trouble eating and/or chewing
Call Us if You See . . .
- Lethargic or depressed behavior
- Change in attitude (irritability)
- Stiffness, trouble jumping or walking
- Change in appetite
- Changes in water consumption
- Change in weight
- Breathing heavily or rapidly when at rest
- Coughing or exercise intolerance
- Bad breath or drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Noticeable decrease in vision
- Excessive panting
- Change in urination (straining, increased amounts or frequency)
- Lumps or bumps on skin
Your Questions Answered
The doctors and our trained support staff are here to answer your questions. Just call with your questions or schedule an appointment for your pet. Your pet is the reason we are here! We know your pet is a very important member of your family. Not only do pets provide us with a constant source of happiness, they also provide companionship, physical contact, a focus of attention, protection and a stimulus for exercise. By providing preventative care, you are returning to your pet a prolonged and better quality of life.
Facts About Senior Pets:
Pets age at different rate than humans. While we cannot precisely equate dog years to human years, we would define pets as seniors accordingly:
- Toys breeds and cats ~ 9 years of age and over
- Small dogs (less than 20lbs) ~ 8 years of age and over
- Medium - Large Dogs (21-90lbs) ~ 6-8 years of age and over
- Giant Breeds (more than 91lbs) ~ 5-6 years of age and over
Senior Pets Need More Care
Like humans, geriatric pets undergo aging changes in organs and tissues. Prevention, early detection and prompt treatment of medical conditions improve the chances that your pet will live longer, happier and enjoy a better quality of life.
Bring Your Pet in Twice a Year
We recommend your senior pet receive a wellness exam twice a year. Dogs and cats age 4 to 5 times faster than we do, and as a result, health problems can progress more rapidly.
Pets can suffer from many of the same chronic diseases that effect humans:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
- Liver and intestinal disorders
- Arthritis
- Vision problems
- Behavior issues related to senility
- Dental disease
Pets today have an increased life expectancy due to advances in veterinary care and improved nutrition. In addition to increased frequency of physical examinations your pet may need a change in exercise regime, change in caloric intake and dental care.
