Senior Pet Care

It may seem like only yesterday your faithful companion was a playful puppy or kitten, but pets age quickly. In fact, most pets reach their "senior years" by about seven years of age. When it comes to caring for your senior pet, prevention is the key to helping your best friend get the most out of his or her "golden years".

Animal Medical Clinic provides comprehensive care for older pets. We focus on preventive care, early detection and expert treatment of illness and disease. We recommend all senior pets undergo a wellness exam at least once a year, though more frequent exams are encouraged. Our veterinarians and staff work closely with you to develop a health care plan that's unique to your pet.

Older pets have special health needs and may require more attention and care than younger pets. As your pet ages, changes occur in his or her physical condition that warrants more frequent visits to the veterinarian. If medical problems are recognized and treated when they are first detected, the treatment may be easier for your pet and less costly for you.

The aging process varies between species and specific breeds as well as individual animals. Most cats become seniors slightly later than dogs, between their seventh and eighth year, whereas dogs, dependant upon breed size could be considered a senior as early as five years or as late as eight years.

Signs to Watch For

You are your senior pet's most important ally when it comes to preventing disease. If your pet exhibits any of the following signs, please bring him or her in for a check-up.

• Increased stiffness or limping, difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
• Confusion or disorientation
• Decreased responsiveness or less interaction with family
• Excessive scratching
• Weight change (loss or gain)
• Loss of housetraining (inappropriate elimination, changes in litter box habits)
• Enlarged abdomen
• Bad breath/excessive salivation
• Difficulty seeing or hearing

As part of your senior pet's exam, we thoroughly listen to your pet's heart and lungs, check his or her eyes and ears, look for lumps and skin conditions and evaluate the joints and muscles. We also perform a number of routine blood and laboratory tests. These tests help us detect diabetes, heart disease, parasites and other health problems that may not be readily apparent during a physical examination.

Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, regular senior check-ups are important to manage many of the changes associated with aging. A complete senior health maintenance program can provide a means to target age-related health problems, institute preventative health care measures, and detect any disorders early enough to provide appropriate medical treatment. Pets can be the most rewarding when they reach middle or old age; they know you, have a special routine, and have spent years as a companion to you. Maintaining the health of your senior pet is a part of your mutually beneficial relationship and can provide both of you with many more years of love and companionship.