Age-related changes in how your pet looks, acts, and feels tend to be gradual.  Some are part of the normal aging process; others can be associated with age-related diseases and compromising medical conditions.

We'd like to help you answer some key questions you may have regarding Caring for Your Senior Pet!   Hope you learn lots from the following Q & A

Q:    When is my pet a "senior?"

A:   Probably earlier than you think!!  
           LARGE DOGS are considered senior after ab. 7 years old
           CATS & SMALL DOGS are consider senior between 8-12 years

Q:   What signs should I be concerned about?

A:    Age related changes in how your pet looks and acts tend to be gradual.  Some are part of the normal agin process; others may  indicate age-related medical conditions.  Some of the signs that warrant a visit to your veterinarian include:

BEHAVIOR CHANGES:     Less responsive; less interaction with family, changes in normal eating or sleeping patterns, confusion.

METABOLIC CHANGES:   Weight gain or loss; changes in skin or hair coat; increased urination, bowel changes.

PHYSICAL CHANGES:       Limping or stiffness; difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, or jumping; bad breath; vision or hearing loss.

Q:    What age-related conditions or diseases should I be aware of?

A:    There are 8 common conditions or diseases that can plague "senior" pets and can either shorten their lifespan OR compromise  their quality of life.  These are:  heart disease, renal  (kidney) disease, obesity, osteoarthritis, cancer, diabetes melitus, thyroid disease, and dental disease.  

Q:    How can I help prolong my pet's life?

A:   The primary keys to prolong the quality and length of your pet's life are:  DIET ... EXERCISE ... YEARLY PHYSICAL EXAM!

These can't be stressed enough!!! 

We highly recommend...   AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

For the early detection of conditions and diseases associated with aging, we recommend at least an annual visit to your veterinarian for the following:

Complete Physical Exam:  The trained eyes and hands of your veterinarian may detect the signs of early diseases or conditions you haven't noticed.

Senior Pet Laboratory Tests:  These would include a Complete Blood Count (CBC), a Serum Chemistry Profile (to assess the function of major organs), a Complete Urinalysis (to assess kidney function), a Thyroid Function and Fecal analysis (to check for evidence of parasites, unusual bacteria & protozoa, and blood cells)

Depending on the results of these tests, additional tests may be recommended. 

In addition, these tests establish a baseline for a number of body functions and are an aid in early diagnosis of future medical problems.  

We hope you have found this information helpful! 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your "senior" pet, please feel free to call us at 845-855-3316 and we'll be happy to help you!!