We have been here for many aging pets and their owners over the years, and we will be here for you and yours each and every step of the way.Our pets are members of our families, and we want to provide them with the best possible care. As they age, we can offer compassionate support through routine check-ups, preventative care, and senior-specific treatments to ensure their senior years are comfortable and enjoyable.
Preventative care is an essential part of caring for your senior pet. Regular checkups with a veterinarian can help identify potential health issues before they become serious problems. During these exams, the veterinarian may recommend blood work and any necessary diagnostic testing. Identifying any problems early can prolong the life of your pet.
As pets age, they are more likely to develop chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and kidney disease. These conditions require ongoing management and treatment. Dr. Jones is experienced in managing chronic conditions and can provide your senior pet with the care and treatment they need to maintain their quality of life.
Senior pets also have different dietary needs than younger pets - they may need a diet with fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, some senior pets may have trouble digesting certain foods or become finicky, requiring a specialized diet. During your pets exam, we can provide dietary recommendations and create a personalized nutrition plan for your senior pet that is appealing and nutritious.
Senior dogs and cats represent 44% of the pet population, and they deserve the best care we can offer in their senior years.
Home Tips for Clients Caring for Senior Pets
- Provide regular gentle grooming and nail care
- Consider having a mobile groomer for home grooming to minimize stress
- Keep pets clean and dry at all times, including fur, skin, and bedding
- Provide good bedding that is adequately padded
- Cover slippery floors with secure rugs and mats for traction
- Pets with decreased mobility need additional nursing care, including being walked or turned every few hours
- Monitor skin for redness, rashes, swelling
- Keep flies, fleas, and ticks off the senior pet
- For pets with incontinence issues:
- Minimize use of diapers to avoid secondary infections
- Use disposable or washable waterproof covers for bedding (fleece or mesh)
- Keep patient groomed and/or fur trimmed, particularly on the back legs, tail, and around the vulva, penis, and anus
- Use baby wipes or medicated wipes to keep patient clean in between bathing
Caring For Senior Pets - Brochure
AVMA Tips on Caring for Senior Pets
Specific Age Related Issues For Senior Cats
We are here to help our furry feline patients age gracefully, peacefully, and comfortably by offering comprehensive senior cat care services. Aging cats rely on the love and care of owners and good veterinary support staff as they grow into their later years.
Changes in the cat's body that are common as a cat ages include:
- Altered sleep-wake cycle
- Changes in thyroid function
- Decrease in kidney function
- Changes in vision
- Decreased sense of smell
- Brittle/ingrown nails
- Heart or circulatory problems
- Decreased digestion and ability to absorb nutrients
- Reduced ability to handle stress
- Changes in behavior
- Changes in mobility/arthritis
Understanding your expanded role in the life of your elderly cat is essential to helping him or her age gracefully. At your next appointment, one of our veterinarians would be happy to give you some insight and guidance on how to ensure your cat enjoys a smooth transition into his or her elderly years.
End-Of-Life Care, Hospice, and Euthanasia
Saying goodbye to your pet is a very difficult and painful process. Deciding to end a pet's suffering and making the decision to help them to transition peacefully from this life can be even more difficult. Euthanasia is a medical procedure that needs to be discussed and considered thoroughly before a decision is made. Our caring and compassionate Doctors and Staff can help you through this painful experience.
What Is Animal Hospice?Animal hospice is a philosophy or program of care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of animals in the advanced stages of a progressive, life-limiting illness or disability. Care is provided to the patient from the time of a terminal diagnosis through the death of the animal, inclusive of death by euthanasia or by hospice-supported natural death.