Senior Pet Care

Thanks to the advancements in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever. However with this increased lifespan comes an increase in the variety of conditions and diseases that they are susceptible to including osteoarthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, cancer and diabetes. And because pets age faster than we do, health problems can progress much more rapidly.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, scheduling regular veterinary examinations is one of the most important steps pet owners can take to keep their pets healthy. AAHA recommends that healthy senior dogs and cats (age 7+) visit the veterinarian every six months for a complete exam and laboratory testing.

Your senior pet's wellness exam should include the following:

• Health Consultation
• Physical Examination
• Diagnostic Tests
• Intestinal Parasite Test
• Overall Wellness Recommendation
• Vaccinations (if necessary)
• Blood Work

A visit to your veterinarian is imperative if you notice any of the following:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive drinking and/or urination
• Loss of appetite or lethargy
• Behavior changes
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Skin lumps, bumps or irritation
• Bad breath, plaque on teeth or bleeding gums
• Ear odors, redness, scratching or head shaking