Senior pet care to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy for life
Senior pet care to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy for life
At Zutilla Pet Clinic, preventive care and wellness services shine. Led by Dr. Star Gregory, our team in Dalton, Georgia, supports patients at every step in their lives. With our focus on consistent, high-quality professional pet care, your dog or cat can remain happy and healthy well into their senior years.
Is my pet a senior?
The answer to this question is generally straightforward for cats. Any feline over the age of 10 is considered to be a senior. However, because of significant size differences, dogs reach their senior years at different ages depending on their breed. Small dogs under 20 pounds generally reach this milestone between eight and 11 years of age. Mid-sized breeds (between 20 and 50 pounds) are considered seniors once they reach 8 to 10 years old. Large-breed dogs (50 to 90 pounds) and giant breeds (90-plus pounds) fall under the “senior” category when they reach the ages of eight or nine and six or seven, respectively.
How often should my senior pet visit the vet?
You should visit Dr. Gregory at least two times a year. While age is not a disease, older dogs and cats are vulnerable to age-related conditions. This means they generally require more attention now than they did in their younger years, including more frequent visits to the vet.
Are exams the same for senior pets as they are for younger ones?
All pets still get a “nose-to-tail” exam at every visit. However, exams for older pets may be more in-depth because we need to check for signs of conditions that are not typically associated with younger dogs and cats.
What changes are common in senior pets?
As pets age, they are at increased risk of developing cancers, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, joint and bone issues, obesity, and vision and hearing loss. You may also notice behavioral changes, such as increased vocalizations (barking or meowing), restlessness, disorientation, soiling or “accidents,” and reactivity to strange or loud sounds. These changes may be attributed to cognitive dysfunction, similar to senility in humans.
What else can I do for my pet besides regular veterinary care?
Thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine and pet care products, it has never been easier to help your pet stay comfortable, active, and happy. During your pet’s wellness visits, Dr. Gregory can discuss tailored ways to support your pet’s health. In general, all senior pets can benefit from:
- Weight management
- Easily digestible, nutritious foods
- Parasite control
- Vaccination schedules personalized to senior pets’ changing needs
- Exercises to help pets stay mobile
- Mentally enriching exercises or interactions
- Environmental modifications, for instance, new sleeping areas to avoid stairs, and new safety risks
Give your dog or cat a paw up in their senior years. Call or text (706) 686-3653 to schedule a wellness exam/checkup at Zutilla Pet Clinic in Dalton, GA, today.