| Senior pet care Senior pet careBlue Cross Animal Hospital provides senior pet care in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can help maintain your senior pet's health and quality How does a geriatric exam differ from my pet's usual exam?As your pet ages, more frequent, and possibly more extensive, examinations will help your veterinarian detect changes in your pet’s physical condition. Geriatric examinations and health-maintenance programs frequently involve laboratory tests on your senior pet’s blood and urine. Radiology, ultrasonography, and other diagnostics tests may also be recommended. It is important to establish a set of baseline values for your pet to make it easy for your veterinarian to monitor changes in your senior pet’s health over time. Talk to your veterinarian right away if you notice signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing. Watch your pet carefully for any unusual changes in activity level and attitude, appetite, water intake, urination, bowel movements, or body weight. Don’t just dismiss changes in your senior pet’s health or habits as “part of the aging process,” because they may be signs of serious disease. “Age is not a disease”. Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, frequent exams are necessary for early detection of the changes and illnesses associated with aging. Back to TopAt what age is my pet considered a "senior"?The aging process varies with breed and weight. Regular screening for diseases and other age-related problems should begin at age seven for most cats and small to medium sized dogs. Large and giant dogs should be screened starting at the age of five or six.
How can I help my senior pet maintain the appropriate weight?Pets that have a normal body weight tend to live longer than pets that are obese. Obesity can predispose to developing diabetes mellitus and several other diseases. Middle-aged dogs and dogs in the first stage of their senior years are apt to gain weight as their metabolism slows down and their activity decreases. Balance the amount you feed and the type of diet with the activity level of your pet. Dogs may need fewer calories as they get older, and they may also need a diet lower in fat and higher in fiber. Very old dogs tend to lose weight rather than gain it, like very old people. Cats don't have the same weight gain and loss patterns as dogs. Their energy requirements stay about the same through their adult lives. Very old cats, like very old people, may become thinner as they age. Any weight loss in your cat should be discussed with your veterinarian. Part of creating a geriatric health-maintenance program unique to your pet is evaluating nutritional needs. Ask your veterinarian about an appropriate diet for your senior pet. Back to TopHow often should I exercise my senior pet?Regular exercise is important to maintain bone strength, muscle tone, and stamina. Taking daily walks and playing with your pet are excellent methods of promoting physical activity and sharing companionship. However, if your pet has difficulty standing up or walking, you may need to slow down, take shorter walks, or try alternative activities such as swimming. Your veterinarian can recommend the appropriate forms of exercise for your senior pet based on his lifestyle, weight, and the overall health for your senior pet. Back to TopHow important is dental care now that my pet is a "senior"?It's more important than ever! As your pet ages, his or her mouth can begin to develop gingivitis, which can lead to irreversible stages of periodontal disease. When routine dental care is neglected, tooth loss and gum disease become more common. 70 percent of senior cats and 80 percent of senior dogs have gum disease. Your veterinarian and staff will perform dental exams, let you know when cleaning is needed, and teach you the basics of home dental care for your senior dog or senior cat. Back to TopWhat other changes might I see while my pet ages into senior years?As your pet ages, his body starts to "wear out." Many conditions or changes my occur in your senior pet including:
A complete geriatric health-maintenance program will preserve the health and quality of life of your senior pet. Talk to your veterinarian about age-related health problems and the preventive steps you can take to ensure a long and healthy life for your old friend. Source: www.healthypet.com Back to Top |
of life by continuing to work with your veterinarian. We don't like to admit it about ourselves, but as we age, our bodies start to "wear out." Pets are the same way, their physical condition and health change over time, too. These changes mean that your pet needs special veterinary care in addition to the annual wellness exam. Your veterinarian will help you develop a complete geriatric health-maintenance program including exercise, diet/nutrition, and routine health care to provide optimal care for your senior pet.
| 3470 South Hualapai Way Las Vegas, NV 89117 Phone: 702-384-8737 | Fax: 702-384-2881 |
Hospital Hours M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm Closed 12pm - 1pm on Fridays Sat-Sun 8:00 am - 3 pm |