Throughout your pet’s life, you give them the best care and love. They will need even more attention during their golden years, as they become more vulnerable to health problems. It is crucial that we stay on top of their healthcare routine during this period. To give your senior pet the care they need, changes may need to be made to their lifestyle, diet, veterinary checkups and much more. At our hospital, we are experts at diagnosing conditions in senior pets and working with pet parents to cater to their companions’ needs at this special point in their life.
When is my pet considered a senior?
All species age differently and sometimes factors like breed or size can determine when a pet reaches senior age. For instance, larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs. We consider dogs to be seniors when they are between 6 to 10-years-old. Feline friends typically enter senior status at 8-years-old.
What health issues can my senior pet develop?
Your pet’s immune system weakens as they age. This is one of the reasons why they are more likely to face physical and sometimes mental problems as they get older. Here are some issues that senior pets often develop:
- Memory loss or confusion
- Arthritis and other orthopedic issues
- Hearing and vision loss
- Kidney and liver problems
- Weight gain
When your senior pet comes in for a visit, our team performs physical exams and diagnostic testing to detect these problems and offer treatment. To learn more about how we can help your senior pet, give us a call at 416-489-8387.
What kind of care does my senior pet need?
For starters, your pet needs at least two veterinary exams every year. With routine veterinary visits, our doctors can detect problems that usually develop in older patients and monitor any existing issues. Exercising patience with your senior pet is also important, understanding that aging makes their bodies slow down and it’s unfair to expect them to play or behave like they normally do. When you work with a veterinarian, they can recommend an age-appropriate exercise routine for your pet and a diet that gives them the nutrients their older body needs.
