Watching our beloved pets enter their golden years can be bittersweet, but with proper senior wellness care, we can help ensure they continue to live happy, comfortable, and healthy lives. Most dogs are considered seniors around age seven, and cats around age nine. Because pets age much more rapidly than humans and diseases can progress quickly, regular senior wellness exams are crucial for catching potential problems early.
At Winslow Park Animal Hospital, we understand that your senior pet is a cherished member of your family. We recommend twice-yearly wellness exams for senior pets to closely monitor how they’re aging and detect any developing health issues before they become serious concerns.
Common Senior Pet Health Issues
As pets age, they become more susceptible to various conditions, including:
- Arthritis and mobility issues
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver dysfunction
- Thyroid disorders
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Dental disease
Comprehensive Senior Wellness Exams
Our senior wellness visits include thorough evaluations tailored to your pet’s changing needs.
Diagnostic Testing: Routine bloodwork is one of the most essential components of senior care. We evaluate red and white blood cell counts and assess the function of vital organs, including the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and thyroid gland. These tests help us detect issues like diabetes, reduced kidney function, and hormonal imbalances that become more common with age. In some cases, we may also recommend X-rays to evaluate your senior pet’s internal health.
Dental Evaluation: Periodontal disease poses significant health risks for older pets, affecting not just oral comfort but overall well-being. A thorough dental exam is always part of our senior screening.
Physical Assessment: We evaluate your pet’s mobility, weight, body condition, and overall comfort to identify any age-related changes that may require intervention.
Personalized Senior Care Plans
Beyond routine diagnostics, we work with you to develop a comprehensive care plan addressing your senior pet’s specific needs, including:
- Nutrition: Age-appropriate diets to maintain a healthy weight and support organ function
- Mobility and exercise: Modifications to keep your pet active while accommodating arthritis or other limitations
- Pain management: Ensuring your pet remains comfortable
- Cognitive health: Monitoring for signs of cognitive dysfunction such as confusion, incontinence, or changes in sleep patterns
Please let us know about any behavior changes you notice in your pet—even subtle shifts can be important indicators of underlying health issues. We have more treatments and options than ever before to help our frosty-faced friends thrive in their senior years. To schedule a senior wellness exam at our Westport, CT veterinary hospital, call us at (203) 226-5555.