Senior Care
Since pets age more quickly than humans, they enter their senior years by the age of 7. Once your pet reaches this milestone, we recommend the following measures to detect early signs of diseases and ensure the highest quality of life for your pet.
Diagnostic and Wellness Exams
When your pet reaches a certain age, our veterinarians might recommend running additional diagnostics with their annual exams or having an exam performed semi-annually. Performing these tests annually allows our veterinarian to detect any diseases or illnesses your pet might have. Early detection is essential to ensure your pet receives the best care for their disease or illness. While most diseases are incurable, early intervention and treatment are key in helping slow the progression and keep your pet comfortable longer.
Senior Diet
As your pet ages, their body, and nutritional needs change. In both cats and dogs, their abilities to absorb protein decrease as well as their activity levels. Most pet food companies offer a senior diet made exclusively for senior pets. These diets ensure your pets are getting the correct nutrition.
Important signs and information
While every pet is different some common signs of aging are:
- Slowness to get up in the morning
- Trouble walking or getting around
- Not jumping onto the sofa or higher furniture
Managing Osteoarthritis in Pets
One important disease to focus on is Osteoarthritis, also known as arthritis. This is a degenerative progressive and irreversible condition of the joints. It is characterized by the progressive loss of joint cartilage, bony spurs/growths, and the thickening and scarring of connective tissue around the joint. Unfortunately, arthritis does not have a cure, but it can be managed to alleviate your pet’s discomfort, minimize further degenerative changes, and to restore the joints functionality. Multiple types of treatments are available to relieve your pet’s pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Some include achieving a healthy weight, adding supplements, or adding medication to your pet’s routine. Call and schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians to explore what options best fit your pet.