Senior Care
Old dogs can be a regal sight. Their exuberance settles over the years into a seasoned nobility, their routines become as locked into yours as the quietest and kindest of marriages. ~ Gail Caldwell
What is a "senior" pet?
We use the word "senior" to describe our aging and older pets. The rate of aging is dependent on the species, breed, and size of our pets. Small dogs and cats are generally designated as senior at around 7 years of age. Large breed dogs may be considered senior closer to 5-6 years.
Some common health concerns for our older pets:
AGE IS NOT A DISEASE!
Although our pets are aging, we can do things to make sure they continue to live a happy, healthy, normal life.
Screening healthy seniors is very important to establish a baseline assessment for future comparison or to detect sub-clinical abnormalities. Biannual examinations and annual blood work are highly recommended.
A minimum database for our senior pets may include:
If you have any concerns about your senior pet, schedule an appointment or call your veterinarian.
We use the word "senior" to describe our aging and older pets. The rate of aging is dependent on the species, breed, and size of our pets. Small dogs and cats are generally designated as senior at around 7 years of age. Large breed dogs may be considered senior closer to 5-6 years.
Some common health concerns for our older pets:
- Weight gain or weight loss (especially cats)
- Heart disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Growths/masses
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Fecal or urinary incontinence
- Cataracts and/or loss of vision
- Hearing loss
- Kidney disease (especially cats)
- Thyroid disorders
- Prostatic disease
- Testicular cancer
- Mammary cancer
- Pyometra (uterine infection)
AGE IS NOT A DISEASE!
Although our pets are aging, we can do things to make sure they continue to live a happy, healthy, normal life.
Screening healthy seniors is very important to establish a baseline assessment for future comparison or to detect sub-clinical abnormalities. Biannual examinations and annual blood work are highly recommended.
A minimum database for our senior pets may include:
- Examination
- Complete blood count- information about our red and white blood cell counts. It can indicate if there is anemia, inflammation, or infection.
- Blood chemistry- information about the function of organs, such as the kidneys and liver.
- Urinalysis- provides clues for urinary tract infections and kidney disease
- Total t4- indication for thyroid disease
- Fecal flotation- senior animals are more susceptible to parasites as they age. A fecal float will show common intestinal parasite infections.
If you have any concerns about your senior pet, schedule an appointment or call your veterinarian.
