We Love Senior Pets!
Just like people, the medical needs of senior animals change over time. In fact, pets age at nearly seven times the rate humans do. As your cat or dog gets older they require different nutrition programs, exercise routines and are prone to a variety of new diseases.
Common Age-Related Diseases for Dogs and Cats:
- Kidney and liver disease
- Intestinal disorders
- Endocrine disease including diabetes and hypothyroid
- Bone and joint disease
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary disease
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Cancer
It is important to consider these changes throughout their lives. Separating the natural aging process from emerging medical disorders becomes increasingly difficult with senior pets. Diagnoses and treatment are often adjusted based on patient age and other factors. Routine veterinary visits are the best way to identify, track progress and treat problems early on.
Scheduled appointments are important throughout the years leading up to and during old age; the American Animal Hospital Association recommends that senior pets see their veterinarian every six months. These visits establish the baseline health of your pet and are used to ensure that they are aging normally. Animal Care Hospital of Phoenix veterinarians can help you be prepared about what to expect from and how to care for elderly animals. Having the right information about feeding and exercise changes is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your pet comfortable in their old age.
Caring for Your Senior Dog or Cat
We are always available to answer questions or concerns you may have about your aging companion. Schedule an appointment today to discover the many ways we can help your senior pet!
