Senior Care for Pets

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

Why is early diagnosis of health issues important?

Diagnosing diseases and certain conditions early is important throughout a pet's life, but it becomes even more critical when your pet enters their senior years. The risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, as well as kidney and liver problems all increase with age. In addition, dogs and cats don't often show any signs of serious diseases until they are advanced.

At what age is my pet considered a senior?

Senior status varies 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. Before your dog or cat reaches 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 pet 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 when your cat turns 8 years of age. Thereafter, your senior pet will benefit from more frequent veterinary exams and diagnostic testing.

What types of care can you provide as my pet ages?

We often treat symptoms commonly attributed to age, including those associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer's in humans). We can also improve your pet's quality of life in many ways like identifying, preventing, or reducing pain, recommending a nutrition and exercise plan, and suggesting environmental modifications. We will tailor a senior wellness plan to your pet's individual needs. If you have any questions, we can discuss your senior wellness program at their next appointment.