Geriatric Care

Due to improved veterinary care and dietary habits, pets are living longer now than they ever have before. At Veterinaire Pet Care, our comprehensive senior pet wellness program helps ensure your aging companion maintains quality of life and comfort throughout their golden years.

Senior Pet Wellness: Common Questions

Q: At what age is my pet considered “senior”?

A: It varies by size and species. Cats and small dogs are generally considered seniors at around 7 years of age. Larger breed dogs tend to have shorter lifespans and are considered senior at approximately 6 years of age. To put your pet’s age in human terms, we can provide age conversion calculations during your visit.

Q: How can I help my senior pet stay happy and healthy?

A: Senior pet wellness requires increased attention, including:

  • More frequent veterinary wellness examinations (ideally twice yearly)
  • Age-appropriate nutrition and possible dietary adjustments
  • Monitoring weight and activity levels
  • Dental care to prevent painful conditions
  • Environmental modifications for comfort and accessibility
  • Regular screening tests to detect age-related conditions early

Q: What health issues should I watch for in my senior pet?

A: Common conditions affecting senior pets include:

  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • Dental disease
  • Kidney and liver dysfunction
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Vision and hearing loss
  • Cognitive changes
  • Cancer

Q: How often should my senior pet have wellness examinations?

A: We recommend twice-yearly examinations for senior pets. These visits allow us to:

  • Perform comprehensive physical examinations
  • Discuss any behavioral or physical changes you’ve noticed
  • Conduct appropriate diagnostic screening tests
  • Adjust medications and treatments as needed
  • Address nutrition and weight management
  • Evaluate pain control and mobility

Q: What diagnostic tests are recommended for senior pet wellness?

A: Common senior pet diagnostics include:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Blood chemistry panel
  • Thyroid testing
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Digital radiographs (X-rays) when indicated
  • Ultrasound studies for specific concerns

Q: When should we euthanize a pet? How will we know it’s the right time?

A: This can be an incredibly difficult question for both the owner and the veterinarian, and is often a very tough decision to make. Sometimes, euthanasia is obviously the best thing to do for your pet. At other times, however, it can be less clear. An open discussion with your veterinarian, including an honest evaluation of your pet’s quality of life, should help you make the decision. Some pet owners may find it helpful to use a quality-of-life scale, such as this one from Lap of Love.

Our Senior Pet Wellness Approach

At Veterinaire Pet Care, we understand that early detection is key to managing age-related conditions effectively. Our senior pet wellness care is designed to detect subtle changes before they become serious medical issues.

We customize our approach to each pet’s specific needs, taking into account breed, existing health conditions, lifestyle, and your goals for your pet’s care. Our compassionate team will work with you to ensure your senior pet enjoys the highest possible quality of life throughout their golden years.

Contact Veterinaire Pet Care today at (201) 839-6939 to schedule a comprehensive senior pet wellness examination. Together, we can help your aging companion enjoy their golden years in comfort and good health.