It is a fact that our pets age more rapidly than we do, a dog or cat 8 years of age compares to a person in their mid-fifties.
As our pets age, two types of changes can be expected ~ those related to age, and those that are disease related.
Aging changes such as arthritis, vision and hearing losses are normal and cannot be prevented. Many disease related changes can be prevented and treated successfully if detected early.
As with humans, the care a pet receives throughout its lifetime is important to longevity. Proper care includes:
- Periodic check ups for blood parasites and intestinal parasites
- Routine vaccinations
- Good dental hygiene
- Regular exercise
- A diet that changes to meet your pet's nutritional requirements
Once your pet reaches 8 years of age, we will also recommend:
- Annual bloodwork consisting of a CBC, General Health Profile, and Electrolytes
- A Wellness Exam every 6 months
- Consider switching your pet to a Senior Diet
Our veterinarians may make other recommendations for your pet based upon results of the physical exam.
Additional screening tests may include urinalysis, blood pressure measurements, bloodwork to rule out specific diseases common to older pets, or even x-rays.
