Health plans for your Senior Pet
At The Vets Animal Hospital, we provide care for your pet through all stages of life. Since pets age faster than we do, it’s easy to forget that they can be considered seniors after just seven years. And as they get older, their health needs change in unique ways that require proper consideration.
We will work with you to develop a health plan that is right for the unique needs of your senior pet. Nutrition, exercise, and the prevention of common problems through regular exams are all ways to help your senior pet stay healthy.
As a pet owner, you want to make sure your pet has the highest quality of life as they age. With proper care, they may even get more time to spend with you and your family, so educating pet owners on proper senior care is very important.
Senior Pet Care Packages
Senior care packages include eye pressures, blood pressures, comprehensive senior exams, bloodwork—including thyroid checks, urinalysis, and heart enzyme testing. These are important for ensuring the highest quality of life for your senior pets. These packages are made with senior pets in mind and include discounted rates when bundled together.
Dental work in older pets
Routine dental cleanings are important for the longevity of your pets life and overall health. Dental disease can cause pain, bad breath, liver and kidney disease, infections, and cardiac disease. It is important to evaluate your pet’s oral health on a yearly basis and notice changes.
Arthritis in Senior Pets
Your dog can’t tell you about aches and pains, so it’s up to you to watch for the subtle warning signs of osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. No one knows your dog better than you do, so your veterinarian relies on you to notice changes in behavior.
Ask yourself these questions:
> Is my dog less interested in participating in usual activities?
> Does my dog seem less alert?
> Does my dog lag behind during walks?
> Is my dog overly cautious when navigating stairs, jumping up on the couch or getting in or out of the car?
> Is my dog sleeping more?
> Does my dog have difficulty getting up or lying down?
> Has my dog gained weight?
> Does my dog seem less interested in greeting me when I come home?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should ask your veterinarian about possibly screening your dog for canine osteoarthritis.