A senior pet deserves proper care and treatment. Cats and dogs typically enter senior status between the ages of 6 to 10-years-old. Once your pet becomes a senior they need two yearly checkups to assess their needs and determine what stage of health they are in. Even in their senior years, your pet can be healthy and happy with routine exams and specialized at home care.
What happens as my pet gets older?
As the years go by, you begin to notice your loyal companion is showing signs of aging. These signs look very similar to the symptoms that we experience as humans. Here are some symptoms that you may notice:
- Greying around the muzzle, head and chest
- Hearing problems
- Less responsive or active
- Increased drinking, eating or urination
- Sleeping more
- Eyelid tumours
- Dull or grey coat
What are the most common diseases that affect senior pets?
Your senior pet’s body wears down with age and this makes them more likely to develop illnesses. With routine visits our team can catch the early signs of diseases when they are easier to treat and manage. Some common illnesses that affect senior pets are:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Hormone disorder
- Kidney and liver problems
- Heart disease
- Cognitive dysfunction (similar to Alzheimer’s disease)
How can I care for my senior pet?
The best way to care for your senior pet is to make sure they see a veterinarian often, especially if they have a health condition. As mentioned earlier, by having routine veterinary checkups, we can track and manage the progression of any illnesses. Even healthy senior pets need regular examinations to detect and get ahead of any health issues. It is important that you nurture your senior pet at home. You need to stimulate your pet mentally and physically with low-impact exercises. Your vet may recommend changes in their diet, activities and environment to make their lives easier.
