Senior Care

Caring for your senior pet can be challenging as it requires more on your part. Our veterinary care team is here to help you navigate through the changes and give your pet a long happy life. Your pet is considered a senior anywhere from 7 to 10-years-old depending on their breed and size.

What health changes will I notice in my senior pet?

Getting older means your loyal companion will experience more health problems. They experience health issues like arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, and more because their body’s ability to fight off disease decreases. With regular wellness checkups your veterinarian can keep tabs on their health and catch these illnesses in the early stage. Here are some signs you may notice that could indicate they have a health issue due to their age:

• Weight gain
• Tiredness
• Losing their appetite
• Urinating around the house
• Eating less

What can I do to ensure my senior pet has a high quality of life?

The first rule to caring for your senior pet is to include a veterinarian’s perspective in their care plan. Including a veterinarian can provide you with knowledge on your pet’s diet, exercise, lifestyle, disease prevention and control. Our team runs tests to determine the best health care plan for your senior pet. We recommend senior pets have two veterinary exams each year, and we schedule more visits if your pet has known illnesses that need additional monitoring.

We can treat health problems associated with cognitive dysfunction (Alzheimer’s disease), help manage their pain, and more. Our team will also discuss your pet’s behaviour at home and make recommendations on how to accommodate their needs. Combining home care and veterinary treatments can give your furry friend the support they need. It is also a good idea to look around your home and make it more safe for your senior pet especially if they have hearing or vision loss. For instance you can install ramps or carpets on slick areas to prevent them from falling.