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Senior Wellness

Due to better nutrition and veterinary care, America’s pets are living longer than ever. With the right care, your pet’s golden years can be long, healthy and happy. As your pet ages, he or she will need more frequent physical examinations and additional tests. The best kind of health care for senior pets is preventative. Aging varies by breed, body size, and individual pet. Larger breeds of dogs typically age more quickly than smaller dogs. Many diseases that older pets are susceptible to are either 100% preventable with the proper preventative care or are easily managed if detected early enough. Proper nutrition and a regular exercise plan can help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

Older pets should visit their veterinarian at least twice a year. Dogs and cats age 4 to 5 times faster than we do and as a result, health problems can progress much more rapidly. Ironically, because pets are living longer today, they are increasingly suffering from many of the same chronic diseases that affect humans such as: cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, liver and intestinal disorders, arthritis, vision problems, behavioral issues related to senility and dental disease.

During the bi-annual visits several aspects will be addressed. First, there will be a health consultation where you are able to discuss with your veterinarian if you’ve noticed any recent changes in your pet’s behavior or other problems, such as difficulty in getting around, a change in appetite, or any unusual lumps or bumps. Then your veterinarian will palpate or feel your pet’s musculoskeletal system and abdomen 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 such as blood work, urinalysis, and possibly radiographs may be performed. Radiographs can be essential for identifying problems that cannot be found by a physical examination. Blood work will detect any problems with organ function or onset of disease. And as with all pets, it is still important to vaccinate and use parasite preventatives to keep your pet healthy into its golden years.