Older pets, like their human counterparts, require special care and attention to ensure their health and happiness. While they still may be a young at heart, senior pets may need to visit their veterinarian more regularly with larger breeds typically aging faster than smaller breeds.
Common Ailments for Older Pets
An older pet may be both wise and experienced; however, they are more prone to conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, kidney disease and a variety of other common ailments. Vision and hearing loss are also common. In order to keep your beloved pet in the best physical shape possible, a good vet and a set schedule of checkups are the best recommendations. At Animal Medical Clinic, we’ll do our best to keep your senior pet happy, healthy, and comfortable. If they are aging gracefully, an annual checkup may be adequate, but if chronic aging conditions are identified that need to be monitored more closely your vet may recommend seeing your senior pet every six months for a semi-annual exam. An exam every six months provides the opportunity for monitoring and treatment of potentially life-threatening conditions.
Keeping Them Healthy
If you notice a change in your pet’s habits such as eating, drinking, sleeping, or level of energy, it is always recommended to visit your vet so they may perform a checkup and determine if further testing is necessary. This exam includes a comprehensive physical exam and may require comprehensive blood work as well as a urinalysis (urine testing). Your pet can also have x-Rays if needed to help assess what may be the issue. In the case that your pet may be feeling under the weather, medications may be prescribed or other direction may be given that will help bring them back to their old selves.
Pets are a part of the family. Senior pets are still fully capable of loving and learning just as much as their younger counterparts. We at Animal Medical Clinic will provide your pet the special attention that they deserve and that you want for them. If you’ve been noticing changes in your senior pet, or if it has been a while since they had a checkup, give us a call:
- Indialantic 321-724-2277
- Melbourne 321-727-2421
- Melbourne Beach 321-724-2110