Senior Pet Health Exams
At 8 years old, dogs and cats are considered to be seniors. At this point, annual health exams become even more important. Similar to humans, the senior pet’s body becomes more fragile in the later years, and catching problems early can make all the difference between a struggling health issue and one that responds well to treatment.
In addition to a thorough physical exam every year, we recommend yearly blood work to track organ function and to screen for signs of disease. Aging pets are more susceptible to conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Degenerative joint disease
Senior Pet Changing Needs
- Nutrition — Senior pets greatly benefit from a change to a pet food that is specially designed for older pets. Our veterinary team will advise you on quality pet food options that will best meet your pet’s needs.
- Weight management — As a pet’s systems slow down, his or her metabolism may slow as well, requiring an adjustment in activities to keep your pet from putting on weight. Overweight pets have significantly more health issues. Adjusting nutrition and exercise will keep your pet in the best health.
- Supplements — Some pets also benefit from nutritional supplements depending on the health issues they face. For your convenience, we carry quality supplements such as glucosamine formulated to increase joint health in pets.
- Exercise — While senior pets do slow down a bit, they should continue to participate in regular exercise. The run may become a walk or the Frisbee catching may be replaced with a game of tug, but keeping older pets active is important for continued health.
Financing Senior Pet Care
We highly recommend financing options to cover expenses.
If you have any questions or concerns about your senior pet’s health, the veterinarians of Lawndale Pet Hospital encourage you to contact our hospital for a consultation.