Although we all wish they could live forever,
Pets age faster than humans.
Dogs and cats are generally considered “seniors” at 7-9 years of age, depending on their breed and species. This makes it all the more important for us to help you monitor your pet's health and detect changes as early as possible.
Whether you’ve had your senior pet since they were young or you recently adopted them, we know they’re family. At Hudson Animal Hospital, we want to help your senior pet experience their golden years in comfort so they can continue enjoying their life with you to the fullest!
Senior pets are typically more prone to illness, similar to humans as they get older. They might run and walk a little slower, sleep a little longer, eat a little less, and prefer rest over play. While these are all normal changes that come with age in pets, it’s important to be mindful of their increased risk of certain health problems.
Here at Hudson Animal Hospital, we believe the best way to treat an illness is to prevent it. That’s why we recommend that you bring them in for a wellness exam at least twice a year. These more frequent exams help us to either prevent health problems or treat them in their early stages. Early intervention increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
or give us a call at (828) 547-3463
Common Health Problems in Senior Pets
Some of the common conditions that affect senior pets include:
- Diabetes
- Heart or liver disease
- Arthritis
- Kidney problems
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Dental disease
- Vision or hearing loss
While some health problems can be detected with the naked eye during the wellness exam, such as oral and eye problems, others require laboratory testing, X-rays, an ultrasound, or some other form of diagnostic testing.
Tips for Caring for a Senior Pet
Bringing your pet in for a wellness exam at least twice a year is an effective means of preventive care, but it’s only half the puzzle. The other half involves their home care. The following tips can help you keep your senior pet comfortable and healthy, between visits to our hospital:
- Mobility Aids: If you’ve noticed your pet struggling to step onto things, or to walk on the floor without slipping, we recommend that you make some adjustments. There are ramps, slings, booties, rugs, and other items that you can purchase to make it easier for them to move around.
- Comfortable Bedding: You probably already have a bed for your pet, but since senior pets tend to rest more than younger pets, you may want to buy a couple beds for them so they’ll have a comfy place to rest in more than one area.
- Healthy Diet: We recommend that you buy dog food or cat food that’s made specifically for senior pets to accommodate their dietary needs. There are also foods made for certain conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Be sure to follow the recommended feeding instructions.
