As dogs and cats get older, they need more attention and special care. This is why we recommend senior pets visit a doctor every 6 months. A senior wellness visit can help your pet remain fit and healthy as he or she ages and help us catch any potential problems earlier, when they’re easier to treat or manage.
Diagnosing diseases and certain conditions early is important throughout a pet’s life, but it becomes even more critical when your dog or cat enters his or her senior years. The risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, and kidney and liver problems all increase with age. In addition, dogs and cats may not show any signs of even serious diseases until they are advanced.
Senior status varies depending on your pet’s breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and cats generally live longer than dogs. We can help you determine what life stage your pet is in and when you should consider starting senior wellness visits every 6 months.
Our senior wellness visit is offered to pets 6 months after their annual exam. This includes
- Physical Exam with a veterinarian
- Complete blood count Assists in the diagnosis of anemia, infections, leukemia, and your pet’s response to some treatments.
- Blood chemistry panel Monitors kidney, pancreas, and liver function.
- Urinalysis Aids in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems, and other conditions.
- Nail Trim
- Diet Recommendation
We can discuss many symptoms that are commonly attributed to age, including those associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans). We can also improve your pet’s quality of life in many ways: by identifying and preventing or reducing pain, recommending a nutrition and exercise plan, and suggesting environmental modifications.
We will tailor a senior wellness visits to your pet’s individual needs. If you have any questions, we can discuss our senior wellness program in more detail. Call us today to schedule your pet’s exam!