Wellness Care for Senior Dogs & Cats: The Golden Years

It's a fact of life—we are all getting older. While no one is exempt from aging, in most cases we have the ability to manage our health and prolong the quality of our lives. The same holds true for our pets. The only difference: Their wellness care is up to you, the owner.

At Meriden and Wallingford Veterinary Associates, we're here to help you manage your senior pet's wellness care. Our goal is to make his or her golden years a joyful and fulfilling time for both of you. Doing what you can to ensure your pet's vitality won't just make you a good owner—it'll make you a happy one as well.

The Golden Years

With the exception of giant-breed dogs, most pets become seniors around the age of 7. The good news is that thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine, dogs and cats are living longer than ever before. The not-so-good news is the increase in lifespan is accompanied by an increase in ailments and diseases that can affect your pet. This makes a proactive and diligent approach to your pet's health even more important. This is why we suggest increasing his or her physical exams to twice per year.

Physical Exams

Aside from the comprehensive physical examination your pet will receive, he or she also needs a variety of tests. Those tests could include:

• Complete blood analysis—Measures red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. It is used to diagnose anemia, infections, diseases such as leukemia, and your pet's response to certain treatments.
• Urinalysis—Determines if there are any unwanted substances within the urine. It also helps to diagnose urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, and kidney problems.
• Blood chemistry panel—By measuring electrolytes, enzymes, and various chemical elements, it helps us determine how your pet's organs are functioning.
• Parasite evaluation—In addition to diagnosing harmful parasites, a complete evaluation can help diagnose several different diseases.

Warning Signs

It is normal for your senior pet to begin slowing down physically. Warning signs that something more may be going on include:

• Radical decrease in appetite
• Radical increase in water consumption or urination
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Dramatic change in behavior
• Change in housebreaking
• Trouble walking
• Coughing or gagging
• Fatigue or shortness of breath
• Seizures

You know your pet better than anyone. Any changes to his or her normal behavior should be noted. If the changes persist, notify us and make an appointment to have your pet seen by our veterinarian.

Orthopedic Issues

As your pet ages, orthopedic issues can become more prevalent. These issues may not only cause discomfort for your pet, but can also lead to a greater difficulty in managing his or her weight.

While medications may be in order, we place great value on the use of Ascenta Omega 3 fish oil and various nutraceuticals. They've also been shown to have positive effects when treating arthritis, skin irritations, and heart disease.

Another useful tool for treating orthopedic issues, as well as arthritis, is the use of our Companion class 4 therapeutic laser. It is a non-invasive and compassionate procedure that can dramatically help your pet by alleviating pain while reducing the use of medication.

For more information about how we can help your senior pet, or to make an appointment, feel free to contact us today.