Senior Care for Pets

Just like humans, senior pets experience graying, health conditions, and living a slower pace of life. To keep up with these changes in your pet, we'll need to see them more often. A semi-annual wellness exam should be performed by your veterinarian every 6 months once your pet reaches their eighth birthday.

What does a senior wellness exam include?

During your pet's senior wellness exam, we focus on a comprehensive look at every aspect of their overall health. We typically focus on a physical exam to start, assessing their external body parts from head to tail. It also includes vaccination and diagnostics testing like bloodwork, urinalysis, X-rays, and ultrasounds. Even if your pet is in good health, routine testing helps us diagnose a health issue early on. Early diagnosis allows us to develop an effective treatment plan that targets your pet's health issues.

What types of illness could my senior pet develop?

Senior pets tend to be diagnosed with more diseases in their senior years. As your pet's body starts to slow down, it cannot fight diseases as it did during its younger years. Wear and tear of daily life is also more likely to catch up with them, resulting in diseases like:

• Arthritis
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Periodontal disease

How can I modify my home to support my aging pet?

You can make small changes around your home to better support your senior pet's current stage of life. For example, adding carpets or rugs can provide your pet with more soft surfaces to move around, especially if they have mobility issues. It could also be helpful to install ramps, particularly if your pet struggles to maneuver up and down stairs. Putting multiple water dishes throughout your home can keep your pet hydrated. To learn more tips about caring for your senior pet, please book an appointment at 604-522-3344.