Senior Pet Care
How your pet's needs change.
Advances in veterinary medicine have made it possible for pets of all kinds to live long, healthy lives. However, when they become seniors, they require extra attention and medical care which is why it’s important to understand how their needs change as they age.
We recommend a comprehensive exam at least every 6 months for your senior pet. We also recommend routine annual blood tests and urinalysis for our senior patients so that we can detect conditions early when intervention is most effective.
Because pets age more rapidly than people, dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months. If you notice any of the following signs in your pet, we recommend you schedule an appointment to have your pet evaluated:
- Weight loss
- Decrease in appetite
- Bad breath or drooling
- Increased appetite, especially if accompanied by weight loss
- Excess urination
- Increased water intake
- Reduced exercise, increased stiffness, trouble jumping or walking
- Apparent pain when your pet moves or is handled
- Any vomiting, abnormal stool, or decreased frequency of bowel movements
- A new lump or growth, especially if it appears to increase in size quickly
- The appearance of a “pot belly”
- Depression or listless behavior
- Excessive panting
- Heavy or rapid breathing when resting
- Coughing
After a comprehensive exam, our veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests or may prescribe medications, supplements, or a special diet to improve your pet’s condition.
Please call us today at (734) 973-7224 to schedule your pet’s senior pet exam, especially if your pet is older than 7 years old.
