Compassionate Care for Your Senior Pet
It can be hard to admit when we see the signs of aging in our animal companions, but the fact is that most dogs are considered seniors when they reach age 7, and cats at age 9. Pets age much more rapidly than humans, which means diseases and illness can start earlier and progress quicker. Additionally, our pets often don’t show signs of lasting illness in the early stages, and it can be easy to miss subtle changes that eventually lead to significant health problems.
To ensure that your pet has the longest, healthiest, most comfortable life possible, our Cheyenne, WY veterinary team at Avenues Pet Clinic encourages you to bring your senior pet for regular exams and blood tests at least once—and ideally twice—each year. This allows us track how your pet is aging, and we’ll be more likely to catch any developing issues before they become big problems.
BLOOD & URINE TESTING
Blood and urine tests are one of the most important pieces of a senior pet exam. These laboratory 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. Based on the results, our veterinarians may recommend a chest x-ray to ensure that the heart is a normal size and that there are no masses in the lungs.
DENTAL CARE
Dental disease is always a common problem for our pets’ health and comfort, and it’s particularly tough on older pets. In fact, dental disease can lead to many other, more serious health issues. That is why a dental exam is always part of any senior pet screening.
Learn more about our pet dental services.
Book Your Senior Pet Exam
MOBILITY ASSESSMENT
Assessing your pet’s mobility for any signs of developing osteoarthritis is another aspect of a senior wellness evaluation. Osteoarthritis is extremely common in dogs and cats and can significantly impact comfort and quality of life. You can see obvious things like stiffness, limping, or decreased willingness to exercise, but sometimes this can manifest (especially in cats) as them simply sleeping more and appearing withdrawn. Early diagnosis and intervention greatly improve the outcome over the long term, and regular senior check-ups will increase the likelihood of finding this early.
BEHAVIOR
Finally, behavior changes, even ones that seem subtle and easy to overlook, can indicate something significant is happening with your pet’s health. You should let your doctor know about any behavior changes you observe. For example, monitoring for signs of cognitive dysfunction such as incontinence, getting lost or wandering aimlessly, is very important.
Evaluate Your Senior Pet's Wellness
