It's important to recognize that, like humans, the needs of a senior pet change as they age. Elderly pets generally need more tender loving care and are often more susceptible to a range of medical conditions, such as arthritis, obesity, and heart issues. Luckily, many severe ailments can be prevented by attentive care and early diagnosis.
We recommend that in addition to annual physical exams, elderly pets also receive yearly blood work to detect serious conditions. By diagnosing problems early, we are not only helping your pet live longer, but also adding to their quality of life by diagnosing disease and either eradicating or slowing down its progression.
At home, you can help your pet by providing daily exercise and a high quality diet. If you have questions or concerns about your senior pet, please feel free to ask. Our priority is to keep your senior pet in prime health for his or her golden years.
You can find more information on aging and senior pets on AAHA's Healthy Pet website, including symptoms to look out for and what you can do to help your pet stay healthy.