Let’s face it – senior pets are the best. They’re house-trained, they’re calm, and they rarely chew your favorite shoes. They can also be vulnerable to disease and illness.
Dogs are considered seniors when they reach the age of nine, cats when they turn 10. Because pets age faster than their human companions and sickness can progress at a rapid clip, we recommend twice-yearly exams to detect any illness or issue in your golden oldie.
Blood tests are one of the most important parts of a senior exam. These blood screenings—often referred to as a “senior panel”— monitor red and white blood cell counts and reveal how well the kidney, liver, pancreas, and thyroid are functioning. We may also recommend a chest x-ray to ensure the heart is a normal size and there are no masses in the lungs.
A common condition seen in older pets is osteoarthritis. General symptoms in dogs include limping, spinal issues like a hunch or a back that is sensitive to touch, tiredness, loss of muscle and constant licking, chewing or biting sensitive areas. In cats, the symptoms may be more subtle, but usually a reluctance to jump or leap up as before is a tell-tale sign. We can help your arthritic pet feel more comfortable with a variety of treatments, including medication and physical therapy.
Finally, make sure to let us know about any behavior changes in your pet. Once dogs and cats get to the geriatric stage, monitoring for signs of cognitive dysfunction—such as losing housebreaking, getting lost or wandering aimlessly—is very important.
Las mascotas alcanzan sus años dorados gracias a buenos padres de mascotas como tú. Bien hecho. Nosotros nos encargamos del resto.
To schedule a wellness exam for your sweet senior, call us at (626) 289-9227.